Probiotics and prebiotics
Probiotics and prebiotics are used in modern animal feed to stabilize the intestinal flora in monogastric animals or in the ruminal environment in ruminants. The use of prebiotics and probiotics in animal feed has become increasingly important, especially since the 2006 ban on antibiotic growth promoters in animal feed in the European Union.
Biochem works with renowned producers and benefits from decades of experience. We offer various prebiotic and probiotic solutions to promote animal health and to reduce the use of drugs.
With its feed additive BioPlus® 2B, Biochem was one of the first suppliers of probiotics in Germany and in many other countries. BioPlus® YC is now available as the second generation of enzyme-producing microorganisms.
- Probiotics
The Russian scientist and Nobel Prize winner Metchnikoff was the first to describe the health benefits of probiotics producing lactic acid over a century ago (Greek: pro bios = for life). According to the WHO/FAO (2001) probiotics are “live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host”.
Undesirable microorganisms are suppressed with the use of lactic acid bacteria, live yeasts or bacillus spores, promoting the natural balance in the intestines or rumen.
- Prebiotics
Prebiotics are carbohydrates that cannot be digested by the body’s own enzymes and therefore act as a fermentable substrate for the intestinal microbiota. They are used to positively influence the intestinal flora by promoting the good microorganisms in the intestinal tract such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria.
- Synbiotics
Synbiotics are combinations of probiotics and prebiotics which stabilize and balance the animal’s microbiota. The simultaneous application of probiotic bacteria and prebiotic yeast cell walls leads to synergistic effects in the digestive tract of the animal.