The Probiotic concept

Probiotics are defined as:

“Live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host.” FAO/WHO.

One of the keys to good bird health is maintaining a diverse and healthy bacterial population in the gastrointestinal tract.

In the wild newly hatched birds have their gastrointestinal tract colonized through contact between the egg shell, hen and nest. This natural contact helps the bird to develop a healthy bacterial population and thus create barriers against pathogenic bacteria.

In the wild newly hatched birds have their gastrointestinal tract colonized through contact between the egg shell, hen and nest. This natural contact helps the bird to develop a healthy bacterial population and thus create barriers against pathogenic bacteria. 

However, in commercial operations this doesn’t occur in an efficient manner due to hygiene in the hatchery and the lack of contact with nature. This creates an increased risk of an unbalanced microflora and pathogenic overgrowth, which consequently will require antibiotic interventions. 

Probiotic bacteria can modulate the intestinal population and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria. When administered from hatch to slaughter the bird will develop a healthy balanced microflora and maintain a strong defence throughout life.