Probiotic for dairy cow heads intended for commercial use

A milk cow's health both before and after calving may be supported by a probiotic that was created at the University of Alberta (U of A). This probiotic is on its way to being commercially accessible in Canada.

According to Burim Ametaj, an immunobiologist and professor at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Agriculture, Biological, and Environmental Sciences, this is the first product of its sort to be made available for commercial purchase.

The product is derived from three natural bacterial strains that are present in the reproductive system of healthy cows. These strains are referred to as "good bacteria." It is effective because it adds bacteria that are beneficial to the cow's microbiome. The cow's microbiome is the collection of microorganisms that live in the animal's reproductive system, which includes the uterus, vagina, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. This allows the cow to produce more milk.

During the years of 2008 and 2018, the probiotics were evaluated in three significant research studies employing dairy cows from the University of Alberta's Dairy Research and Technology Centre as well as stock from four commercial dairy farms located in Alberta.

According to the findings of the study, using the probiotic was associated with a decrease in post-calving uterine infections of around fifty percent. In addition to that, it cut the number of cases of milk fever in half and decreased the number of cases of placenta retention. According to the researchers, the probiotic also decreased the inflammation that caused the lameness.

In addition, test cows who were given the probiotic had an increase in milk production of between four and six liters per day over the first fifty days after giving birth to their calves. In addition, the calves that were born to cows who had been given probiotics benefitted as well. Four weeks after birth, the calves that had been delivered to these cows weighed more and had a stronger immune system.

According to Ametaj, the study findings demonstrate the potency of probiotics and have been corroborated by other dairy experts from across the globe.

According to Ametaj, "Bacteria are a big contribution to a wide variety of animal ailments, and we've now proved that the use of probiotics is a great approach of treating sickness."

The probiotic will be sold under the brand name ProPreg and made accessible by Healthy Cow Corporation, a brand new company in the industry. In the United States, sales on a smaller scale have begun, and over the next two years, it is anticipated that the product will be made accessible to dairy farmers in Canada.

Benefits of a probiotic for dairy cows

Probiotics have been shown to have a number of positive effects on dairy cows, not just in terms of their general health but also in terms of the amount of milk they produce. The following is a list of possible advantages that might result from administering probiotics to dairy cows:

Probiotics are living microorganisms that may colonise the intestines of dairy cows and maintain a healthy balance of bacteria. This results in improved digestion. Probiotics are also known as "good bacteria." They are able to enhance the cow's digestion in this way, which ultimately results in improved nutritional absorption from the diet. Because of this, there is a potential for enhanced feed efficiency and overall digestion, which enables cows to get a greater amount of energy and nutrients from the food they eat.

Function of the rumen has been improved The rumen is the biggest section of a cow's stomach and is the location where microbial fermentation takes place. In the rumen, a healthy microbial population may be maintained with the assistance of probiotics. This results in improved fermentation and the breakdown of complex feed components like fibre and starch. This may help to enhance the function of the rumen and the health of the cow as a whole.

Increased immunity It has been shown that probiotics have immunomodulatory effects, which means they have the ability to assist in the regulation and improvement of the immune system of dairy cows. Probiotics may boost the cow's capacity to fight against pathogens by supporting a healthy gut microbiota, which in turn reduces the likelihood of the cow contracting an illness or sickness. If the cow's immune system is strengthened, the cow's overall health may improve, and the demand for antibiotics may decrease.

Reduction in digestive diseases Probiotics have been shown to be effective in the prevention or treatment of digestive disorders such as acidosis, which may develop in cows when they ingest an abnormally high quantity of fermentable carbohydrates. It is possible for the presence of helpful bacteria in the gut, which may be obtained via probiotics, to help stabilise the pH and enhance the overall balance of microbial populations, hence lowering the probability of digestive problems.

It has been shown via research that certain strains of probiotics may significantly affect milk production in dairy cows. This results in increased milk output. Probiotics have been shown to improve digestion, nutritional absorption, and general cow health, all of which may lead to an increase in milk production. In addition, the cow's capacity to utilise certain nutrients, such as amino acids, which are necessary for the production of milk protein may be improved by the administration of probiotics.

The use of probiotics in dairy cows has the potential to boost the animals' reproductive performance, which is an important economic factor. They have the ability to improve the general health of the cow, which includes the reproductive system, and to decrease the number of instances of reproductive problems. Cows that are in good health are more likely to have regular estrous cycles, to conceive calves in a shorter amount of time, and to have a better overall fertility rate.

Probiotic damage to dairy cows

Probiotics have the ability to provide dairy cows with a number of advantages; nevertheless, there is also the possibility that they might cause harm or adverse consequences under certain conditions. The following are some things to keep in mind with relation to the usage of probiotics in dairy cows:

The choice of probiotic strains and the dose of those strains is very important. It is also very important to get the right amount of probiotic strains. It's possible that certain strains are more useful than others, and that utilising the wrong strains or taking too much of them might result in unwanted side effects. It is essential that you get the advice of a qualified veterinarian or animal nutritionist in order to guarantee that the kind of probiotics you choose and the amount you give your cows are suitable for their individual requirements.

Disruption of the gut's natural equilibrium Although the purpose of probiotics is to create a healthy equilibrium of bacteria in the gut, this equilibrium may be upset if the probiotic strains used are not well-suited for the digestive tract of the cow or if the dose is too high. This might cause the normal bacteria population to become disorganised, which may in turn result in digestive problems like diarrhoea or acidosis. It is possible that the usage of probiotics will need to be carefully monitored and adjusted in order to prevent such disturbances.

responses of an allergic or sensitive nature: In very rare instances, dairy cows may exhibit responses of an allergic or sensitive nature to certain strains of probiotics. This may present itself in the form of immunological reactions, gastrointestinal difficulties, or other negative consequences. It is crucial to keep an eye out for any symptoms of allergic responses or sensitivities in the cows, and if any adverse reactions do take place, it is necessary to stop using the particular probiotic strain that was being administered.

Controlling the quality and preventing contamination are both very necessary when it comes to the manufacture of probiotic goods. It is possible for hazardous bacteria or toxins to be introduced into probiotics by contamination or the inappropriate handling of these products, which may have a detrimental impact on the health of dairy cows. It is very necessary to get probiotics from trustworthy producers and to adhere to correct practises for storage and handling in order to reduce the possibility of contamination.

Interaction with other additives or pharmaceuticals: There is a possibility of an interaction between probiotics and the medications or other feed additives that are administered to dairy cows. It's possible that some combinations might lessen the benefits of pharmaceuticals or cause negative effects that weren't anticipated. Before providing probiotics together with other treatments or additives, it is essential to discuss the combination with a qualified animal nutritionist or veterinarian so that any possible interactions may be identified and mitigated.

Probiotic for dairy cow heads intended for commercial use