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Under normal
conditions both positive micro organisms (e.g.. Lactobacilli,
streptococci) as well as negative micro organisms (e.g.. pathogens
such as E. coli, coccidia, etc.) are found in the digestive
tract of a healthy bird. If the balance between positive &
negative organisms is disturbed, it has a suppressive effect
on the normal digestive function. In a reasonably high bird
population density, such a build up of pathogens can happen
fairly easily.
How
Probiotic Works:
On
the surface of the intestinal lining there are limited sites
available for microbial colonization. If their is a high concentration
of pathogens in the intestinal tract, they will, according
to the principle of competitive exclusion, colonize the available
sites, to the exclusion of the negative microbes, who then
have no "room" left to colonize and are therefore
excreted.
Why
to use Probiotic?
There are
direct and indirect consequences to the stress levels to which
birds in captivity are exposed. The most important are a decrease
in food intake, a greater degree of nutritional imbalance,
decrease in fertility, and lower resistance to diseases. To
be more specific, the following are results of stress:
•
A change in the pH of the lower gastro intestinal tract
• The balance in the ecosystem of the digestive tract
is disturbed by a decrease in the positive micro organisms
such as lactobacilli and streptococci (e.g.. L. casei, L.
fermentuni, S. faecium) in the favor of pathogens (e.g.. E.
coli)
• The bird becomes highly sensitive to coccidia (eimeria)
which increase quickly in the gastro intestinal tract.
Probiotics
can however be administered on a more continuous and preventative
basis without any negative side effects, especially where
digestive problems occur readily. Because the success there
of depends on the number of living organisms that the birds
consumes.
During
times of stress or the use of antibacterial (antibiotics),
hormonal changes can occur, causing the pH of the small intestine
to rise. This allows existing bad bacteria to take a foothold
in the lining of the intestine because of the deterioration
of the protective mucus lining. Because of this, the 'villi'
(little fingers), which normally exist in the small intestine,
can be lost. Villi slow the movement of feed as it passes
through so that nutrients can be absorbed through the intestinal
wall. Increasing good gut bacteria through the use of Probiotics
will compete against the bad bacteria, change the pH environment,
allow nutrient absorption, and prevent infection. Probiotic
treatment has also shown an ability to stimulate appetite.
If
you're not inclined to use Probiotics on a daily basis, then
at least consider their use immediately following antibiotic
treatment. When your bird is treated with antibiotics, all
bacteria are killed off - good and bad. Treating with Probiotics
immediately after the use of antibiotics, help to repopulate
the gut with the good bacteria. In many cases, this can ward
off a secondary infection, such as E Coli.
The
normal bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract are well known
for maintaining a healthy, growing condition. It is important
that these bacteria be established early in life and be well
maintained. If the digestive bacteria are not well maintained
the risk of infection and disease is greatly increased. Once
the disease organism is established, the bird’s health
condition is reduced and sickness, even death, can occur.
Nicoprotic
is a combination of PRE & PRO Biotic growth promoter
Lactobacillus
sporogenes
Lactobacillus acidophilus
YEASACC
BIO-MOS
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