By Pauline Rovers-Paap, Principal Relations Manager, Orffa Additives B.V., The Netherlands
A successful poultry production system depends on optimal gut health, efficient feed utilization, and strong disease resistance. Calsporin®, a probiotic containing Bacillus subtilis C-3102, offers an evidence-based solution for enhancing these factors in broiler production. Supported by rigorous scientific research and extensive field experience, Calsporin® delivers measurable improvements in both growth performance and intestinal health, including better management of necrotic enteritis (NE).
Calsporin®- A Benchmark for Scientific Validation
Calsporin® delivers viable spores of Bacillus subtilis C-3102, a strain with a well-documented safety and efficacy profile in poultry. Isolated in Japan in 1986, it has been evaluated globally for decades. Notably, the European registration of Calsporin® at 30 ppm for all avian species followed stringent regulatory assessment and provides strong, independent confirmation of its efficacy at practical inclusion rates.
Gut Health and Performance Benefits
Calsporin® promotes a robust and resilient gut environment in broilers. Rather than generic microbial balance, specific studies demonstrate that Calsporin® supplementation increases beneficial bacterial populations and reduces colonization by key opportunistic pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Clostridium perfringens. Across multiple trials at 30 ppm, birds supplemented with Calsporin® achieved ~2 points better feed conversion ratio (FCR) on average and approximately +2.5% higher average daily gain (ADG), even when feed intake remained unchanged. Mortality rates were also lower in several trials, indicating greater flock resilience and health. Under stressful conditions, the beneficial effects of the probiotic appear even more evident and promising.
Additional studies at 50 ppm have revealed greater enhancements in growth and feed conversion efficiency, as shown through meta-analyses of trials with comparable designs. These gains, although modest on a per-bird basis, compound to create significant economic impact at commercial scale.
Mitigating Necrotic Enteritis: Mechanisms and Outcomes
Necrotic enteritis (NE), caused by Clostridium perfringens, is a major challenge in broiler operations. Calsporin® addresses NE by:
- Restricting the growth and colonization of C. perfringens through competitive exclusion and support of beneficial gut bacteria.
- Helping maintain intestinal barrier function and mucosal health, which limits lesion severity and promotes more rapid recovery from NE challenges.
- Optimizing the gut microbial environment to favor beneficial bacteria; after germination, B. subtilis C‑3102 scavenges oxygen and supports Lactobacilli, lowering pathogen pressure and NE risk.
Real-world and controlled studies confirm that supplementing broiler diets with Calsporin® reduces both the incidence and severity of NE. Multiple trials have reported that inclusion of Calsporin® leads to significantly lower lesion scores, reduced mortality, and fewer therapeutic interventions, even under disease-challenged conditions.
Evidence from Controlled and Field Trials
In both controlled challenge models and farm-scale settings, birds fed Calsporin® have demonstrated measurable advantages:
- Lower intestinal lesion scores during both mild and severe NE outbreaks, often performing as well as or better than antibiotic controls.
- Significantly reduced mortality, with probiotic-fed flocks recovering feed intake and growth rates faster after disease events.
- Histological studies confirm that Calsporin® supplementation preserves gut morphology and villus structure—key to nutrient absorption and long-term performance.
- Fewer medical interventions were required to keep NE under control under farm-scale conditions.
A robust field trial program across various geographies has shown these benefits are reproducible, giving confidence in consistent results for commercial producers.
Stable, Practical, and Flexible for Modern Production
The spores in Calsporin® are highly heat-resistant, allowing the probiotic to withstand pelleting and remain viable throughout storage and feed delivery. Its use does not require a withdrawal period, making it well suited for antibiotic-reduction programs and integrated flock health strategies.
Conclusion
Calsporin® offers a proven and practical strategy for optimizing broiler productivity and health. Its performance and health benefits are supported by a rigorous scientific and regulatory foundation. By fostering a stable, resilient gut environment and helping manage intestinal challenges like necrotic enteritis, Calsporin® provides immediate and lasting value for poultry operations focused on efficiency, welfare, and profitability.