R. Ranjini1, Gondu Sai Deepthi2,R. Savitha3, S. Saranya4, G. Elaiyaraja5
1,2,3,4 – M.V.Sc Scholar, Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai – 07. 5 –Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai – 07.
Introduction
In India, Sheep and Goat farming contributes more in the meat industry and form the livelihood for many marginal farmers. Nutritionally, the probiotics are employed as growth promotors and greatest substitute for antibiotics in the rearing of small ruminant animals. The probiotics are live microorganisms fed to improve the gut microbial population. It supports the growth of animals significantly faster as well as increases the performance and production. Consequently, the farmer gets a respectable income.
Types of Probiotics
Generally, two types of probiotics are fed to the animals such as bacterial and yeast probiotics. The most commonly used organisms are Bifidobacter sp., Lactobacilli sp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Mechanisms of action of probiotics are
- Inhibiting the pathogen adherence
- Producing antimicrobial components such bacteriocins and defensins
- Competitively excluding pathogenic microorganisms by improvement of barrier function
- Decrease in luminal pH and
- Immune system modulation
Commercially available probiotics
Live yeast & Probiotics Bolus
Vetiguard
ECOTAS BOLUS
MSD animal Health
Symbiosis Animal Health Private Limited
Pasuuvanam
Vetco Pharma
Vetco Pharma
Vetco Pharma
| VG BOOSTE FORTE Live yeast & Probiotics Bolus Vetiguard | Intas Pharmaceuticals ECOTAS BOLUS |
| YEA-SACC® BOLUS MSD animal Health | Rumivet Veterinary Bolus Symbiosis Animal Health Private Limited |
| Active SACC Probiotic Bolus Pasuuvanam | Pb – Vet Bolus Vetco Pharma |
Effect of Probiotics
There are many proven reports on the effect of probiotics in the health of small ruminants.
- Probiotics helps to balance the ruminal pH and promote rumen function and thereby prevent the incidence of subacute or acute ruminal acidosis.
- It helps in the degradation of organic matter and increases the dry matter intake and promotes the gastrointestinal function of animals.
- Supplementing with probiotics enhances the rumen’s microbial activity, which leads to better ammonia capture for the production of microbial protein.
- It helps in the multiplication of beneficial microbes and prevent the pathogenic organisms from invading the intestine by the production of various inhibitory substances.
- It improves the digestibility of nutrients which in turn improve the carcass yield quantity and quality
Conclusion
Probiotics helps to improve the health status of animals and increase their production capabilities. The quantity and quality of meat and milk is increased which in turn generate more income to the farming communities.