Harnessing the Power of Probiotics in Livestock
Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits when used. They’re not just for humans, animals can use them too! ProPreg™ is the first intravaginal probiotic product to support a healthy and balanced microbiome in the reproductive tract of cattle during the stressful transition period.
ProPreg™ is formulated with three bacterial strains of bacteria that are normally abundant in the reproductive tract of healthy cows. These strains are Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) and they provide defences against pathogens and infections.
After calving, a cow’s immune system is weak due to hormonal and physiological changes such as physical injury from birth, dietary stress, cow relocation, and handling. These stressors disrupt the microbiome of the reproductive tract, allowing pathogenic bacteria to multiply quickly, attack the host, cause inflammation, and damage the uterine barriers. Introducing probiotics intravaginally supports the growth of good bacteria to eliminate harmful bacteria. Probiotics work by¹:
- Stimulating the immune system
- Competing with harmful bacteria for niches and essential nutrients to stop their attachment and growth
- Producing antimicrobial substances that prevent, inhibit, or eliminate harmful bacteria by creating an unfavourable environment
A group of scientific and veterinary researchers from the University of Alberta conducted studies on the effects of probiotics on cows. They administered a mixture of the three strains of LAB that are found in ProPreg™ (Lactobacillus sakei FUA 3089, Pediococcus acidilactici FUA 3140, and Pediococcus acidilactici FUA 3138) to transition dairy cows before and after calving¹. Results of these study showed very positive benefits in reducing reproductive problems and maintaining cattle health¹.
ProPreg’s™ assurance of a healthy reproductive microbiome has led to successful results in its field trials! Probiotics solutions such as ProPreg™ can have a positive impact on herd health and the dairy industry by decreasing the economic and health consequences that come along with an imbalanced or disrupted microbiome that leads to reproductive problems.
Click here to learn more about ProPreg™ and how you can implement it on your farm!
References
- Rosales EB, Ametaj BN. Reproductive Tract Infections in Dairy Cows: Can Probiotics Curb Down the Incidence Rate? 2020:1-32.