Science behind multi-strain probiotics
Benefits of probiotics are known yet there is no single bacterial strain that provides all the benefits feedlot operators expect to see
By Dr. Giuseppe Copani
Animal nutritionists have long recognized the benefits of probiotics (also called direct fed microbials, or DFMs), yet there is no single bacterial strain that provides all of the probiotic benefits feedlot operators expect to see, including:
Pathogen inhibition
Mucin production
Overall gut health
Nutrient digestibility and absorption
Performance
That’s why probiotics that combine science-based, research-proven, multiple strains of microbials are developed. While multi-strain probiotics are not new to the market, as animal health challenges evolve, new combinations are needed to decrease the burden of a broader range of harmful bacteria and favorably influence nutrient digestibility and absorption.
Multi-strains convey broad benefits
While it is possible for a feedlot operator to select and feed multiple probiotic products, it is far more convenient to work with a trusted nutritionist or veterinarian to identify a single product that contains multiple microbial strains to address various disease challenges in their herds. In choosing the most effective DFM for a specific operation, it can help to first ensure that the different bacterial strains contained in the final product have been scientifically proven and rigorously researched. In other words, every component of a DFM should bring verifiable value to the product.
For example, in ruminants and specifically, beef cattle, a well-known probiotic product in the U.S. market contains one lactic acid bacteria (L. animalis) and one Propionibacterium (P. freudenreichii). Propionate produced in the rumen is the main precursor required for glucose synthesis in the liver, supplying 32% to 73% of glucose demands to the ruminant animal. In other words, it is a starting block needed for milk or beef production. So feeding this specific muti-strain probiotic supports fermentation and improves the performance of the rumen. These value propositions have been proven over two decades.
But animal health challenges continue to evolve, which is why scientific research needs to look for ways to enhance the effectiveness of DFMs in cattle.
More than the sum of their parts
Bringing together optimal combinations of “good” bacteria to improve rumen performance is both an art and a science. For example, a multi-strain DFM could be created by choosing strains with different modes of action (pathogen inhibition, enzyme production capacity, etc.). Another approach is to combine different strains that we know will have a synergistic effect in the gut of the host, creating a greater benefit than either strain would if introduced independently.
Regardless of the approach, it is essential to first have a good understanding of each individual strain’s capabilities and potential efficiency in order to create product prototypes. Using prototypes allows researchers to evaluate how the strains work together in combination. There are well-demonstrated examples of synergistic effects, i.e., some combinations in which one plus one equals more than two; it also is important to note whether any strains diminish the effect of others when combined. Optimal dosing can be evaluated at this stage, too, since adding more bacteria does not necessarily increase its desired effect.
This level of research, prototyping, testing, analysis, adjustment and then repeating the process all over again requires advanced expertise, rigorous methodology and an expansive bacterial strain bank from which to select the best-suited bacterial strains.
Complex challenges require complex solutions
Most microbial challenges in feedlot cattle are complex, involving many different pathogens. That means they require complex microbial solutions, such as those conveyed by multi-strain probiotics containing proven and well-researched bacteria.
Although feedlot operators will always face new challenges in their day-to-day operations – from pathogen outbreaks to feed ingredient price increases – probiotic science is advancing to help address those challenges by supporting the health and performance of the herd.
Ongoing research and testing, along with the ability to combine strains of “good” bacteria to create new, innovative probiotic solutions, will help ensure that a pipeline of effective products is available to cattle producers for years to come, even for challenges that are unforeseen today.
Dr. Giuseppe Copani is Team Leader Ruminant – Animal Health and Nutrition, Innovation, Chr. Hansen.