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Probiotics as Alternatives to Antibiotics

Antibiotics are used as growth promoters and also to reduce pathogenic bacteria in the digestive system. However, antibiotics also kill beneficial bacteria in the digestive system. Moreover, excessive use of antibiotics leads to antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria. To address and overcome these issues, researchers have taken various steps to find suitable alternatives. There is considerable evidence showing that probiotics are a good alternative to antibiotics. Probiotics have been proven to have beneficial effects on growth performance, meat quality, bone health, egg shell quality, immune response, and gut microbiota health. Probiotics also lower blood cholesterol levels through bile salt hydrolase activity.

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that affect the microbial balance in the digestive system of poultry. The primary purpose of using probiotics for chicks and adult birds is to prevent diseases, speed up the healing process, and improve the digestive performance of poultry.

Characteristics of a Good Probiotic:

1. Non-pathogenic nature.
2. Positive effects on the host animal.
3. Survival in the gut environment.
4. Survival under storage conditions.
5. High stability during processing.
6. Competitive inhibition of harmful bacteria.

Types of Probiotics Used in Poultry:

• Bacillus, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Lactococcus
• Other common probiotics: Lactobacillus casei, Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactococcus lactis, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus.

Application Method:
Probiotics can be used as single or multi-strain in animal feed. They can also be used with feed additives or as a solution in water. Probiotics are available in various forms, including granules, liquids, pastes, and gels.

Effects of Probiotics on Growth Performance: Although the mechanism of probiotics on growth performance is not fully understood, studies show positive effects on growth performance and a reduction in the negative effects of stress and diseases. Lactobacillus consumption significantly improves the performance of broiler chickens. The use of Pediococcus acidilactici probiotics significantly improves feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and weight gain. Other studies showed that various probiotic strains positively affected the body weight of broiler chickens.

Effects of Probiotics on Bone Health and Egg Shell Quality: Most studies indicate positive effects of probiotics on bones. Bacillus subtilis increases ash and calcium in the tibia, while Enterococcus faecium and lactic acid bacteria improve various bone health markers. One study showed that Bacillus subtilis supplementation in broiler chickens under Salmonella enterica stress improved bone mineral content, including calcium. Another study showed that probiotic use in chicks fed a calcium-deficient diet alleviated the negative effects of deficiency. Probiotics enhance calcium availability through microbial phytase production, which breaks down phytic acid and releases minerals like calcium and phosphorus.

Probiotics increase the absorption of minerals by extending villus length and the villus-to-crypt ratio, thereby improving nutrient absorption. Lowering gut pH by probiotics also enhances calcium absorption.

Probiotics and Immune Response: Probiotics improve the health status and immune response of birds, acting as an alternative to antibiotics. A study by Bi and colleagues showed that probiotic consumption improved T-cell function. Additionally, Lactobacillus species stimulate the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines in the intestinal epithelium of broiler chickens. A study by Kabir and colleagues showed that a multi-strain probiotic mixture at 200 grams per ton of feed improved antibody concentration and the size of the bursa of Fabricius.

Impact of Probiotics on Gut Microflora and Morphology: The health of animals and growth performance are directly linked to the health of their gut microflora. A healthy gut resists pathogenic microorganisms and is more effective in nutrient absorption. Probiotics regulate gut microflora and promote the development of the gut by increasing villus length and the villus-to-crypt ratio, improving absorption efficiency. Probiotics can reduce gut pH, further enhancing mineral absorption.

Probiotics also help to restore gut mucosa, produce mucus, and stimulate the gut, thereby enhancing immune function by stimulating antibody production and natural killer cells.

Chitika – A Leading Brand in Animal Feed Additives: Maintaining the microbial balance in the digestive system of animals is crucial for improving health and performance. With the industrialization of animal farming and increased density and management challenges, the gut microflora balance is often disrupted, leading to pathogenic bacteria taking control. PowerPro Chitika contains a complete set of beneficial bacteria such as Enterococcus, Pediococcus, Lactobacillus casei, Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecium, and Lactobacillus acidophilus. By stabilizing the microbiota, it prevents harmful bacteria from growing in the digestive system and enhances nutrient digestion and absorption.

Main Effects of PowerPro Chitika Probiotics:

• Increased growth and improved feed conversion ratio.
• Improved mineral and vitamin availability.
• Better access to energy and proteins in feed.
• Helps repair and build gut villi (improves gut morphology).
• Detoxifies and combats pathogens.
• Strengthens the immune system.
• Reduces mortality.
• Lowers production and treatment costs.

Target Animals:

• Livestock, poultry, and aquaculture.

Dosage:

• Livestock: 100-150 grams per ton of feed.
• Poultry: 100-120 grams per ton of feed.
• Aquaculture: 150 grams per ton of feed.

Recommendation:
In times of stress, the consumption rate can be increased as per veterinarian advice.

Packaging:
The product is available in aluminum packs of 1 kg and 10 kg.