A Probiotic consists of live bacteria which are fed to animals to promote healthy gut function. While various forms of probiotics have been used for thousands of years (yoghurt is a probiotic), it is only in the last decade that the science of probiotics has come of age.

Probiotics effectively flood the gut with billions of live, beneficial bacteria to help boost the gut's normal microflora (the population of billions of bacteria and yeast which play an important role in the growth, health and vigour of the animal).

What are the Microflora?

The digestive system of all animals and birds is home to billions of bacteria, protozoa and fungi, collectively known as microflora. A healthy, balanced microflora is essential to the health of any animal because it :-

• helps digestion by breaking down cellulose and other indigestible substances
• promotes the synthesis and absorption of vitamins and minerals
• stimulates the immune system
• prevents the profileration of potential disease causing pathogens such as E.coli and salmonella

Summary of Benefits

Improved growth of farm animals
Through control of subclinical gut infections, a similar mechanism to that of antibiotic growth promoters.

Improved utilisation of food
Achieved by increasing the efficiency of the existing digestive processes and/or by promoting the digestion of previously indigestible substances.

Reduced intestinal upsets
Symptoms include scouring or diarrhoea, loss of appetite and poor digestion of food.

Improved health
Generated by increasing resistence to infectious diseases either by direct antagonism or by stimulating immunity.

Establishment/Re-establishment of microflora
For the establishment of healthy gut microflora in immature animals or the re-establishment of gut microflora following antibiotic use.

When Can Probiotics be Used?

• Immediately following birth - to establish a healthy gut microflora and prevent establishment of pathogenic bacteria.
• Following antibiotic administration - to re-establish beneficial microflora depleted by antibiotics and prevent re-infection by pathogens.
• To treat or prevent scouring - by suppression and exclusion of pathogenic bacteria including E.coli and salmonella
• Reduce the effects of stress - such as fear, transportation, change of environment, diet changes, training, competition, temperature extremes, injury, surgery, vaccination.

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