Probiotics vs. Pathogens

Good vs. Bad

• Originally bacterial direct-fed microbials were fed to livestock because of their beneficial effects in the intestines, the most important of which is the inhibition of pathogenic bacteria.
  
  
• The inhibition of pathogenic bacteria by “good” bacteria can occur by two main mechanisms
  • Attachment of the “good” bacteria to intestinal surface, thereby inhibiting the attachment and proliferation of pathogenic bacteria in the intestine.
  • Production of compounds that are inhibitory to pathogenic bacteria.  For example, the lactic acid produced by some bacteria can cause a reduction in pH that is inhibitory to many pathogenic bacteria.
    
    
• In addition to these effects, bacterial direct-fed microbials can be beneficial in preventing ruminal acidosis and in improving digestibility of nutrients.
  
  
• Because of these vast differences in bacterial strains even within the same species, strain specificity is very important when selecting beneficial bacteria for direct-fed microbials.  Three strains that have been proven to be beneficial in ruminants through extensive research are:
  
  

Lactobacillus acidophilus strain BT1386

Propionibacterium freudenreichii strain P63

Lactobacillus buchneri strain 40788

Click Here to Learn More About How Bacterial Direct-Fed Microbials can Help Prevent Laminitis Through Rumen Fermentation Stabilization

Human Applications of Bacterial Direct-Fed Microbials

A probiotic is a live microorganism, which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit to the host. (World Health Organization definition)

The term “probiotic” means “pro-life.” Stress, medications or lifestyle changes cause the human intestinal tract to experience a deficit of beneficial bacteria. The body then becomes vulnerable to detrimental organisms. A natural way to preserve overall health and vitality is to supplement the diet with probiotics.

The human intestine permanently shelters several billion living bacteria indispensable to the proper function of the digestive system. The intestinal flora serves many functions. In particular, they take part in the digestive process by breaking down non-digestible carbohydrates into lactic acid and short chain fatty acids. They synthesize the B-complex vitamins and vitamin K.

The intestinal flora plays an equally important role in protecting against pathogenic agents. They inhibit or reduce the proliferation and the adhesion to intestinal calls of undesirable bacteria (the barrier effect). In addition, the microflora modulates the immune system, thereby reinforcing our natural defenses.

While Probiotics for humans have been evaluated for nearly 100 years, today, applications include alleviation and prevention of intestinal problems such as diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort.