Probiotics

Jessica Miller, PJ Hale, and Julia Niemann

What is it?

Feed additive that consists of bacteria that are beneficial for a healthy GI tract

Stimulate growth of microorganisms

Bio-Mos

Maintain intestinal health

Intestinal organs absorb important nutrients, are most metabolically active, most hormone active, and are hosts to microorganisms

Without probiotics, livestock can have poor digestion and have an increased exposure to toxins

Cattle and Probiotics

Cow to calf: Reinforce natural defense through efficient transfer of nutrients

Good milk replacer

Starter feed

Increases feed efficiency by increasing fiber digestion

Gastrointestinal integrity

When are probiotics most effective?

Probiotics are most effective in any situation, especially since the GI tract is so important in terms of nutrient absorption.

One scientific study suggested that Bio-Mos is most effective when there is a low level of sanitation in broiler barns.

So, probiotics are best used anytime in ruminants with complex microbial populations naturally, and in non-ruminants when there is sanitation concerns or health concerns.

Is there a withdrawal period?

There is not a withdrawal period since probiotics are natural strains of yeast and do not contain antibiotics or hormones.

What have research projects shown?

AAJAS: Bio-Mos in broiler chickens, which are non-ruminant animals

Found that the changes in feed efficiency and increase in gains were "insignificant"

JAS: Probiotics in dairy cows, which are ruminant animals

Found that milk production, health and performance were improved

Which company sells this product

A variety of companies sell probiotics

We chose to focus on Alltech, specifically the product Bio-Mos

Alltech

1. Goal: Improve animal health and performance by adding nutritional value to feed though the use of yeast fermentation

2. Services: Innovative feed products, research, and educating farmers on what to feed their livestock

What other animals is it approved for

Pigs, dairy cattle, poultry, beef cattle, aquaculture, equine, rabbits, and other pets

Allows for efficient nutrient transfer from mother to offspring

Naturally increases weight gain:

1. Increases weaning weight

2. Improves egg production in chickens

3. Quickens return to estrus

4. Efficient gains prior to slaughter in pigs, cattle and chickens

Balances microbial population in gut

Reduces shipping stress

Allows meat, milk and eggs to be marketed as natural

Chart of benefits for each animal

http://www.bio-mos.com/bio-mos/benefits.htm

Conclusion

Beneficial feed additive for a variety of animals

Producer should weigh the costs and benefits before incorporating probiotics

More of expense if: Clean facilities, eating well, overall in good health

Worthwhile if: Need improved gut health, feed digestibility, and production efficiency

Sources

Bio-Mos. Digital image. Engormix. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Oct. 2014. <http://www.engormix.com/alltech/bio-mos-levadura-nutricion-monogastricos-rumiantes-sh10058_pr24163.htm>.

Krehbiel, C.R., S.R. Rust, G. Zhang, and S.E. Gilliland. "Bacterial Direct-fed Microbials in Ruminant Diets: Performance Response and Mode of Action." Journal of Animal Science 2013. Volume 81. Number 14.

Saufey et al. Asian-Australian Journal of Animal Science. 2001. Volume 14. Number 4. Pages 559-563

"Alltech | Animal Health and Nutrition." Alltech, Inc. 1 Jan. 2014. Web. 14 Oct. 2014. <http://www.alltech.com/about/our-story>.

"Animal Nutrition and Health - Alltech." Alltech, Inc. 1 Jan. 2014. Web. 14 Oct. 2014. <http://www.alltech.com/animal-nutrition/all-products/bio-mos>.

"Form Defines Function." Bio-Mos. 1 Jan. 2005. Web. 14 Oct. 2014. <http://www.bio-mos.com/bio-mos/benefits.htm>.