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What are probiotics?
Probiotics are live bacteria that benefit the health of the host animal. Probiotics, or direct-fed
microbials, support the growth of beneficial microbes in the gastrointestinal tract, unlike antibiotics
which indiscriminately kill both good and bad bacteria, upsetting the natural balance in the gut.
Probiotics, including lactic acid bacteria and yeasts,
are given to calves and cattle to support digestion
and improve intake. These beneficial bacteria support
the immune system and improve performance,
making them an economically smart decision for
producers looking toward their bottom line.
Selecting a Probiotic for Digestive Health in Calves and Cattle
Benefits of probiotics
Animals are born with a sterile gastrointestinal tract, but
bacteria are needed to facilitate proper digestion of food. The
GI tract is naturally populated with bacteria from the mother
and the environment within a few days of birth. The intestine
becomes a natural host to 100 trillion microbes which may
include several hundred beneficial and pathogenic species.
Introducing probiotics to a newborn calf accelerates growth
of the right bacteria and helps to ensure that the beneficial
microbes, rather than pathogenic microbes, are adhering to
the intestine. Feeding probiotics helps to crowd out the bad
bacteria to create a proper balance of microflora in the gut as
soon as possible after birth.
It is essential that the right bacteria are present for optimal
nutrient absorption and digestion. Certain probiotic strains
influence enzyme activity to increase nutrient absorption.
Bacteria and enzymes help the body to break down food
so that animals get the essential nutrients from forage.
Probiotics support a healthy appetite and increased food
intake. Increased dry matter intake during the transition period
generally leads to fewer metabolic problems, thereby reducing
cost for clinical treatment and reliance on antibiotic therapy.
Because 70% of the cells that comprise the immune system
are contained in the wall of the intestine, a healthy gut is
critical in maintaining an animal’s overall health. When the
gut microflora is well balanced, the animal is less susceptible
to disease. During times of stress or infection, the balance of
bacteria may shift so that a greater number of the pathogenic
bacteria are present. Probiotics are especially recommended
during times of stress such as birth, weaning, shipping and
receiving to avoid the proliferation of the bad bacteria.
After antibiotic treatment, probiotics can help get the good
microbes back up to speed and re-balance the digestive system.
Probiotics can reduce the intestinal pH to create a negative
environment for the growth of pathogens, consume their
nutrients, and crowd out binding sites so that the bad bacteria
do not have a chance to colonize. A balanced rumen pH
prevents acidosis and the associated conditions including
lameness.
Healthy cows cost less for treatment of clinical conditions and
generate more milk. Probiotics help support healthy cows,
resulting in this twofold economic benefit. Supplementing
calves with a probiotic helps them start out with a balanced
gastrointestinal tract, and stressed cows will benefit from
targeted supplementation to help maintain the natural
balance of bacteria in the gut and continue with optimal
production.
Choosing a probiotic product
The specific benefit of a probiotic product is dependent on
the particular strain or combination of strains it includes. For
the maximum benefit, it is important to choose a product
with strains carefully selected to survive the manufacturing
process and the gastric pH once ingested. Commonly seen
in probiotics for dairy cattle are lactic acid bacteria including
Lactobacillus species and Enterococcus faecium. Various
Bacillus bacteria are also used; these are a hardier, spore-
producing bacteria that can withstand harsher manufacturing
and storage conditions. Probiotics are delicate microorganisms
so manufacturers use varying processes to ensure the bacteria
are stable and available for use once consumed by the animal.
Every animal needs good bacteria in the gut to facilitate the
proper digestion of their feed. Probiotics are good bacteria
that can help boost the levels of naturally occurring, beneficial
bacteria in the gut. Promoting the growth of good bacteria
supports the overall health of the animal, leading to a more
productive herd.
