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-rumiantessh10058_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/biomos/benefits.htm>.