Age-Related Effects of a Probiotic Supplement in Grazing Animals

Jenn Hoskins
6th August, 2024

Age-Related Effects of a Probiotic Supplement in Grazing Animals

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study at Virginia State University found that probiotic supplementation did not significantly affect the observable health indicators or growth rate in young goats
  • Probiotic-supplemented goats showed higher levels of immune markers like IgA and total protein during the pre-weaning period, indicating enhanced immune function
  • The prevalence of E. coli virulence genes was higher in probiotic-supplemented goats at specific time points, suggesting potential influences on pathogenic gene prevalence
Antibiotic resistance is a significant global health threat, necessitating the exploration of alternative treatments for both humans and animals. Probiotics, which are live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed, are one such alternative. In a recent study conducted by Virginia State University, researchers investigated the effects of a commercial probiotic on the health and performance of pastured goats from birth until 10 months of age[1]. The study involved 26 newborn goat kids, divided into two groups: a control group that received a saline solution and a treatment group that received a commercial probiotic paste orally. The researchers monitored various health indicators, including appetite, diarrhea, and coughing, as well as weight, immunity markers (IgA, IgG, and innate immune response), total protein, hematocrit (HCT), total lactic acid bacteria (LAB), total coliforms, and the prevalence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) virulence genes. Interestingly, the study found no significant differences in the observable health indicators, LAB count, and total E. coli count between the two groups. However, the prevalence of E. coli virulence genes stx1 and stx2 was significantly higher in the probiotic-supplemented goats at specific time points. This raises questions about the potential for probiotics to influence pathogenic gene prevalence, which warrants further investigation. Probiotic supplementation did show some positive effects on immune function. One month post-supplementation, during the pre-weaning period, the probiotic group had significantly higher levels of total protein and IgA, an antibody that plays a crucial role in mucosal immunity. Additionally, innate immune markers were significantly elevated two days post-weaning in the probiotic group. Hematocrit levels, which indicate the proportion of red blood cells in the blood, were also higher in the probiotic-supplemented goats at one and two months post-weaning. Despite these immune benefits, the study found that probiotic supplementation did not affect the growth rate of pre- and peri-weaned goats. However, goats older than four months in the probiotic group experienced a significantly lower growth rate compared to the control group. This mixed response suggests that while early probiotic supplementation may boost immune function in young goats, the net benefits for older, healthy animals are unclear and require further research. The findings from this study align with previous research that highlights the potential of probiotics as alternatives to antibiotics in animal agriculture. Probiotics have been used effectively for weight gain in various livestock, including chickens, pigs, and ruminants, by modifying the gut microbiota[2]. This study adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that probiotics can influence health outcomes in livestock, albeit with age-dependent effects. Moreover, the study's results underscore the complexity of using probiotics as a one-size-fits-all solution. While probiotics may offer immune benefits and potentially reduce the need for antibiotics, their effects can vary based on factors such as age and health status. This complexity is also reflected in the broader context of antibiotic alternatives, where approaches like phage therapy, bacteriocins, and vaccines are being explored[3][4]. These alternatives often work best as adjunctive or preventive therapies, complementing rather than replacing conventional antibiotics. In conclusion, the Virginia State University study provides valuable insights into the age-dependent effects of probiotics on goat health and performance. While early probiotic supplementation may enhance immune function in young goats, the benefits for older animals remain uncertain. This research highlights the need for further studies to optimize probiotic use in livestock and underscores the importance of a multifaceted approach to addressing antibiotic resistance.

HealthBiochemAnimal Science

References

Main Study

1) Differential Age-Based Response Induced by a Commercial Probiotic Supplementation in Pastured Goats

Published 5th August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12602-024-10337-w

Related Studies

2) Weight gain by gut microbiota manipulation in productive animals.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micpath.2016.11.002

3) Finding alternatives to antibiotics.

https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.12468

4) Alternatives to antibiotics-a pipeline portfolio review.

https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(15)00466-1


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