About Probiotics

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are good bacteria that boost the levels of naturally occurring beneficial bacteria in the gut. The benefits are unique to each species and further defined by the specific strain.

Laying hens feeding in a modern poultry house

The Basics

The Balance in the Gut

Every animal has bacteria in their digestive system that help digest food. The balance of trillions of bacteria in the intestine includes both beneficial (good bacteria) and pathogenic (bad bacteria) microorganisms. Maintaining a balance of these bacteria aids digestion and overall health.

The word probiotic means “for life,” the opposite of antibiotic. Antibiotics indiscriminately kill both bad and good bacteria. Probiotics, or Direct-Fed Microbials (DFMs), help return an animal’s intestinal microflora to healthy, normal levels.

Inside Pangoo Products

Selected Strains, Kept Viable

Probiotics are living bacteria and are therefore sensitive to conditions such as pH, moisture, and temperature. The strains in PANGOO® microbial products are selected to survive the manufacturing process and storage in quantities meeting the label guarantees.

These strains also remain viable under the harsh conditions of the animal’s gastrointestinal tract, meaning every guaranteed bacterium (expressed in Colony Forming Units or CFU) will be available to the animal.

Lactic Acid Bacteria

Most PANGOO® products

Enterococcus faecium
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus plantarum

Bacillus Strains

Select PANGOO® products

Bacillus subtilis
Bacillus licheniformis

Benefits

Benefits of Probiotics

Studies of various probiotic strains show benefits for digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune health. Other studies link a healthy gut to performance, oral health, and skin health.

Starting Life with the Right Bacteria

Animals are born without bacteria in the gut. Bacteria from the mother and the environment quickly populate the intestine. Probiotics provided at birth help create the optimal environment for the growth of good bacteria. Lactic acid bacteria found in probiotics help create a positive environment in the gut through changes in the pH. A healthy gut helps maintain natural immunity.

Supporting Nutrient Absorption

Certain probiotic strains influence enzyme activity, increasing nutrient absorption by the animal. This is especially important for food animal producers trying to stretch forage resources. Probiotics help the body break down food so the animals get the essential nutrients from their diet.

Maintaining Healthy Digestion

Probiotics are most useful during birth, weaning, traveling, and after antibiotic treatment, helping maintain the natural beneficial bacteria. When an animal’s gastrointestinal microflora becomes unbalanced, digestive upset follows. Probiotics help maintain healthy digestion and appetite.