4 Tips for Effective Probiotic Use

Probiotics have long been used in the diet of cattle. But they must be handled correctly to be effective.

bacillus subtilis

In animals, there are many dynamic and powerful bacterial communities that are critical to productivity and well-being. Affecting these communities in a positive way can lead to better overall health and productivity. The positive responses we have seen in research trials can even reduce the cost of treatment. However, you can't just add any probiotic to your ration and expect amazing results.
There are thousands of yeast and bacterial strains, each of which can have different effects - and sometimes no effect at all. To get results, we recommend using four main criteria for selecting probiotics.
● Live: Choose a probiotic that contains live or viable bacteria or yeast. These products have a minimum viability guarantee on the product label.
● From a trusted manufacturer: Ensure that production and handling maintain probiotic activity throughout the manufacturing distribution process.
● Specific: Probiotics should be strains specifically selected and proven for livestock production or health outcomes.
● Daily feeding: Probiotics are added to livestock rations daily to maintain effective levels.

First, probiotics must be alive when consumed by the animal.
It is well known that probiotic microorganisms must be live or viable in order to have an impact on the microbial community of the animal's digestive system. In fact, many government agencies will only approve performance claims when probiotic microorganisms are alive - for example, to improve milk production or feed efficiency.

Next, probiotics should be purchased from a reputable manufacturer. Harsh conditions and improper handling can damage these beneficial organisms, he says. Each yeast or bacterial strain has its own unique growth, handling and storage preferences. Therefore, it is important for manufacturers to ensure that their best performing probiotics are pure, consistently produced and strategically packaged to maximize product quality and performance through to feed laydown.

Third, these products must be specifically selected for the desired outcome. Certain probiotics stimulate the animal's bacterial populations in specific ways. For example, one probiotic strain can stimulate immune function, while another can improve feed efficiency. Brewer's yeast has been used for centuries for baking, brewing, human and livestock nutrition, and even for biofuel production. It is found in thousands of species, but not all function in the same way.
For example, it has been shown to be more effective in positively affecting the health status of cattle and pigs, especially during times of stress. Another Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain - CNCM I-1077 - has been shown to optimize rumen function by positively increasing rumen pH and fiber digestibility in cattle.

Other bacterial probiotics have been shown to have specific effects on livestock. A certain strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus (strain BT-1386) has been shown to reduce the prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 in feedlot cattle.

Finally, producers must add probiotics daily to maintain high enough levels to see benefits in their animals. Live probiotics do not typically colonize or colonize the animal's digestive system, so daily consumption of probiotics ensures that the right amount of microorganisms are available to do the intended job.

There are four keys to getting positive results from the use of probiotics. They are simple steps that seem very intuitive, but when applied to probiotics, they unleash the power of these small microbes to improve animal health and productivity.