Review and Application of Hydrogen in Regulating Production Performance, Stress Tolerance, and Gut Microbiota in Livestock

Hydrogen gas (H2) has emerged as a promising candidate for various applications in livestock, particularly in enhancing animal performance, health, and welfare. As a safe, environmentally friendly, and effective antioxidant, H2 plays a critical role in mitigating damage caused by pathogenic microorganisms or various environmental factors. It can enhance antioxidant capabilities, improve immunity, and reduce inflammation to promote overall animal health. The benefits of H2 include improving the quality and yield of livestock products and reducing disease incidence. This perspective comprehensively summarizes recent advancements in the biological application of H2 in livestock, focusing on its regulatory roles in production performance, stress resilience, and gut microbiota. We also discuss future applications of H2 in livestock management. The review aims to provide an overview of the biological effects of molecular hydrogen, potential mechanisms, and practical practices, laying the foundation for its implementation in sustainable livestock.