Preface by Series Editors Preface by Volume Editors AcknowledgementsList of contributorsPart I. The flora and fauna of the developing GI tract1. Development of the digestive tract of gnotobiotic animals, by A. Bomba, R. Nemcova and S. Gancareíkova2. Metabolism and population dynamics of the intestinal microflora in the growing pig, by M. Katouli and P. Wallgren3. Rumen protozoa in the growing domestic ruminants, by T. Michaowski4. Microbial ecology of the digestive tract in reindeer - seasonal changes, by S.D. Mathiesen, R.I. Mackie, A. Aschfalk, E. Ringo and M.A. Sundset5. Microbial ecology of the GI tract of the growing dog and cat, by J. Zentek6. Molecular approaches in the study of gut micro-ecology, by A. Schwiertz and M. Blaut7. Models of the gastro-intestinal tract to study microbial interactions, by M. MinekusPart II. Pathogenicity in developing animals8. Adhesins and receptors for colonization by different pathotypes of Escherichia coli in calves and young pigs, by B. Nagy, I. Toth and P.Zs. Fekete9. The farm animal as potential reservoir of antibiotic resistant bacteria in the food chain, by G. Klein and C.M.A.P. Franz10. Pathogenesis and the GI tract of growing fish, by T.H. Birkbeck and E.Ringo11. Modelling of salmonellosis, by P.J. Naughton and G. Grant12. Bacterial colonisation of avian mucosal surfaces, by R.M. La Ragione, D.G. Newell and M.J. WoodwardPart III. The immune response in growing animals 13. Mucosal immunity and bovine entero-mammary link: evolutionary established dialogue between antigen and arms of immune system, by M. Niemiatowski, A. Schollenberger and W. Klucinski14. Development of the immune response in relation to bacterial disease in the growing fish , by A.E. Ellis15. Development of lactobacilli for mucosal immunisation, by J.F.M.L. Seegers, C.E.G. Havenith, S.H.A. Kremer and P.H. Pouwels16. The influence of the lactic acid bacteria and other resident microflora on the immune system of the growing animal, by G. Perdigón, R. Fuller and M. MedinaPart IV. Probiotics and disease prevention strategies17. Prospects of fish probiotics, by L. Gram and E. Ringo18. Antimicrobial activity of lactic acid bacteria isolated from aquatic animals and the use of lactic acid bacteria in aquaculture, by E. Ringo, U. Schillinger and W. Holzapfel19. Enhancement of the efficacy of probiotic microorganisms in nutrition and prevention of diseases of the young animal, by A. Bomba, R. Nemcova and D. Mudrooova20. Strategies for the prevention of E. coli infection in the young animal, by E. Van Driessche and S. BeeckmansIndex