Research by Species

Chicks are assigned to two dietary groups to investigate the effects of a Direct-Fed Microbial diet on energy metabolism in different broiler tissues. The data show an increased antibody production and energy re-partitioning to the immune system in DFM fed animals, independent of whole body metabolism and without any loss in growth performance.

Body weight gains and feed conversion ratio in broiler chickens dosed with probiotic dietary treatments is shown to be significantly higher than control treatments without it. Direct-Fed Microbial supplementation is also shown to enhance humoral immune response.

This study looked closely at the effect of changing intestinal microbial populations on mucin dynamics—the dynamics of the intestinal mucous layer that acts as a barrier from pathogenic bacteria. Chicks fed a dietary probiotic showed changes in microbial populations which in turn altered mucin dynamics and gut health.

This paper presents a review of current research suggesting the likelihood of beneficial changes in disease prevention and growth enhancement from animal exposure to probiotics. There is a discussion of intestinal micriobiota, Direct-Fed Microbial effects on gut health and performance, and immune system response by competitive exclusion processes.

Two trials comparing turkey performance—a pen trial and field trial—showed body weight significantly increased for turkeys fed a Direct-Fed Microbial diet. Field trials showed improved live performance associated with the DFM diet, in body weight, cost of production, and livability.

Researchers studied the effect of a Direct-Fed Microbial PrimaLac diet on the small intestinal structures of turkey poults. They observed changes in the structures supporting the conclusion that gut health and animal performance, even when challenged by Salmonella, are improved by DFM supplementation diets.

Poultry scientists organized a study to determine the effect of dietary Direct-Fed Microbial on turkey poults. Results showed DFM diets improving body weight and feed to gain ratios, reduced Salmonella susceptibility, and no effect from feed processing the DFM.

Investigators fed one group of broiler chicks a standard diet and another a diet with Lactobacillus-based PrimaLac and studied their immune response when challenged by infection with Eimeria acervulina. Intestinal cells were studied and describe increased resistance to E. acervulina in the probiotic-fed group.

This study examines the role that DFM plays in controlling enteric pathogens by looking at the concentrations of lactic acid and volatile fatty acids in the cecum and intestines of poultry. The effects of a Direct-Fed Microbial PrimaLac diet are compared with a control and salinomycin antibiotic diet, to show acid concentrations generally reduced with DFM feeding.

In two trials, researchers studied the intestinal effects of providing PrimaLac Direct-Fed Microbial in a standard diet for broiler chicks, compared with the standard diet control and the diet with added salinomycin antibiotic. Gastrointestinal characteristics—pertaining to microvilli, intervilli spaces, and muscle thickness—in the DFM treated chicks, demonstrate an altered physiology that works to prevent the attachment of pathogens to the track lining.

Poultry scientists studied 3 groups of broiler chicks assigned to different diets—a control, a diet with added salinomycin antibiotic, and a diet with added PrimaLac—in order to measure energy expenditures and inflammation. Results demonstrate highly reduced energy expenditure in the PrimaLac group compared to others, correlating with changes to intestinal physiology and metabolism.

Two experiments study the effects of adding Direct-Fed Microbial (DFM) to the diets of broiler chicks over several growth phases. The DFM addition has positive effects on apparent nutrient retention even when nutrient density is reduced.