Synbiotics: A Sustainable and Effective Alternative to Antibiotic Growth Promoters in Poultry

Antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) have been extensively employed in poultry farming to accelerate growth rates, improve feed conversion ratios, and to reduce disease incidence in the past, Use of AGPs lead to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which pose risks to both animal and human health. AMR is transfered from animals to humans through the food chain via plasmid transfer amongst the microbes both in vivo and in vitro, posing a serious public health threat. Additionally, AGPs disrupt the gut microbiota in poultry, weakening their natural immunity. These issues have led to restrictions of AGPs and increased preference for safer alternatives like probiotics and plant-based additives.

What are Synbiotics?

Synbiotics are a synergistic combination of:

  • Probiotics: Live beneficial microorganisms that improve gut health.
  • Prebiotics: Non-digestible food ingredients that enhance immunity of host and also support for probiotic propagation.

Together, they enhance nutrient absorption, boost immunity and promote the growth of beneficial gut flora, making them a powerful alternative to AGPs.

Benefits of Synbiotics in Poultry:

Studies and trials by independent researchers have demonstrated that Synbiotics:

1. Improved Growth Performance

Synbiotic supplementation significantly improved body weight and feed conversion ratio (FCR).

2. Enhanced Digestibility

Protein and energy digestibility were enhanced in birds supplemented with Synbiotics as a result of better nutrient absorption.

3. Boosted Immunity

Birds showed higher antibody titers against Newcastle Disease and Infectious Bursal Disease, along with improved immune cell activity – suggesting strong immune modulation by synbiotics.

4. Better Gut Health

Synbiotics enhanced gut morphology, reduced gut inflammation, and supported good digestion, crucial for bird health and feed efficiency.

5. Safe Alternative to Antibiotics

The Synbiotic products matched or outperformed AGPs in most parameters, without the risk of antibiotic residues or antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

6. Higher Carcass Yield

Ready-to-cook (RTC) weight was improved in Synbiotic-fed birds, supporting superior Returns on investment (ROI).

7. Improved Litter Quality

Synbiotics reduced faecal water-soluble phosphorus (WSP) and maintained drier, healthier litter, which helped reduce footpad lesions and disease risks.

8. Enhanced Overall Health

Serum biochemical parameters (liver and kidney markers) remained within normal ranges, confirming the safety of Synbiotics.

SPORICH-total+βgM: Synbiotic formulation developed by Sanzyme Biologics

SPORICH-total+βgM is a full-spectrum Synbiotic formulation developed by Sanzyme Biologics. SPORICH-total+βgM combines multiple robust probiotic strains with potent prebiotic components to offer comprehensive gut protection from Crop-to-Cloaca.

Key Ingredients:

  • Bacillus subtilis (SAN 144BS)
  • Bacillus coagulans (SAN 135BC)
  • Bacillus licheniformis (SAN 136BL)
  • Saccharomyces boulardii (SAN 158SB)
  • β-Glucans ≥ 30%
  • Mannan-Oligosaccharides ≥ 15%

SPORICH-total+βgM is a proprietary blend is Non-GMO, AMR gene-free, Non-Haemolytic, Sporulating and Viable, making it ideal for poultry application.

Mechanism of Action of SPORICH-total+βgM:

Probiotics:
  • Produce VFA’s (Acetic, Butyric, Propionic & Lactic acids) for energy
  • Acidify the gut to suppress pathogens
  • Generate bacteriocins like Nisin, Lecucocin, Pediocin, Reuterin, Colicin, Subtilin and Coagulin to kill harmful microbes
  • Secrete digestive enzymes (amylase, protease, lipase) for superior nutrient absorption
  • Modulate gut morphology by improving V/C ratio
  • Prevent Diarrhea/Loose droppings through polyamines that tighten intestinal junctions
β-Glucans & MOS:
  • Activate the immune system
  • Improve intestinal barrier function
  • Reduce pathogen load while supporting beneficial microbiota
Comparative Results of SPORICH-total+βgM vs. Probiotic vs. Prebiotic vs. AGP (at 6 Weeks):
Parameter SPORICH-total+βgM vs Control SPORICH-total+βgM vs Probiotic SPORICH-total+βgM vs Prebiotic SPORICH-total+βgM vs AGP
V/C Ratio (Jejunum) 10.29% 5.50% 9.20% 2.26%
Serum Protein (g/dL) 62.82% 15.06% 23.13% 36.20%
Body Weight Gain (kg) 4.91% 3.19% 6.39% 0.37%
Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) -4.38% -3.16% -4.38% -1.56%
Dressing Weight (%) 2.31% 1.66% 1.96% 3.52%
Lactobacilli Count (Ileum) 12.32% 1.83% 1.05% 2.92%
E. coli Count (Ileum) -28.75% -26.02% -26.93% -5.51%

In a 6-week broiler trial, SPORICH-total+βgM proved to be more effective than antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) across key performance indicators. It improved gut health with a Better Villus Height to Crypt Depth Ratio and Boosted Serum Protein Levels by 36.2%, indicating stronger metabolism. Birds supplemented SPORICH-total+βgM showed 0.37% more weight gain and a 1.56% Better Feed Conversion Ratio compared to those on AGPs. Dressing Weight was also 3.52% higher. Additionally, it Increased Good Gut Bacteria (Lactobacilli sp,) And Reduced Harmful E. coli more efficiently. These results show SPORICH-total+βgM is a safe and powerful alternative to antibiotics in poultry farming.

Benefits of SPORICH-total+βgM:
  • Increases nutrient availability and absorption
  • Effectively controls pathogenic bacteria
  • Increases average body weight at market age
  • Optimizes feed conversion ratio (FCR)
  • Improves net economic profit per kilogram of sale
  • Reduces wet litter and ammonia production

Available as feed additive in 4 Billion CFU/g and 8 Billion CFU/g Potencies

Feed Inclusion Rate for SPORICH-total 4B+βgM: 250–500 g / MT
References:

  • T. Srilatha, Ph.D. & Dr. M. Hanmanth Rao, Ph.D – “A research project report on the evaluation of the efficacy of synbiotic (SPORICH-total+βgM) supplementation as an alternative to antibiotic usage in commercial chickens.”
  • Vishwanath G Bhagwat , Santoshkumar V G Tattimani , Mirza Rizwan Baig- “Dietary Supplementation of Synbiotic Formulation with Phytoactives on Broiler Performance, Relative Ready-to-Cook Weight, Health, Nutrient Digestibility, Gut Health, and Litter Characteristics”

How Probiotics in Whey Protein Can Enhance Digestion and Performance

In the world of fitness, muscle-building, and overall wellness, protein supplements like whey protein have become a staple. They’re widely used by athletes, bodybuilders, and health-conscious individuals alike due to their role in promoting muscle recovery, growth, and overall health. But did you know that the way we digest protein and absorb its amino acids can be enhanced by probiotics?

Understanding Whey Protein and Its Role in Muscle Health

Whey protein is a high-quality protein derived from milk during the cheese-making process. It is packed with essential amino acids, especially branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) like leucine, isoleucine, and valine, which are vital for muscle protein synthesis. This makes whey protein a popular choice for those looking to enhance muscle recovery, growth, and overall performance.

However, the efficiency of protein digestion and amino acid absorption plays a critical role in determining how well the body benefits from the protein consumed. While whey protein is generally well-absorbed, digestive issues or imbalances in the gut microbiome can sometimes hinder the optimal breakdown and absorption of amino acids, ultimately reducing its effectiveness.

The Role of Probiotics in Protein Digestion and Amino Acid Absorption

Probiotics play a critical role in enhancing protein digestion and amino acid absorption by promoting a healthy and balanced gut microbiome. Protein digestion begins in the stomach, where enzymes break down the protein into smaller peptides. However, the majority of amino acid absorption takes place in the small intestine. A healthy gut microbiome ensures that the digestive process occurs efficiently, as beneficial bacteria help maintain a healthy gut lining, promote the production of digestive enzymes, and reduce gut inflammation. Probiotics such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Bacillus strains support the gut barrier, ensuring that proteins are broken down properly into amino acids. This allows for optimal absorption into the bloodstream, providing the body with the amino acids needed for muscle recovery, immune function, and overall health.

In addition to improving digestion, probiotics enhance the absorption of amino acids by balancing the gut microbiota. An imbalance in gut bacteria, or dysbiosis, can lead to impaired digestion and reduced nutrient absorption, including amino acids. Probiotics help restore this balance by increasing the population of beneficial bacteria, which supports the breakdown of proteins and efficient amino acid absorption. By reducing gut inflammation and supporting enzyme function, probiotics can also alleviate conditions that disrupt protein digestion, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or leaky gut syndrome. Ultimately, by enhancing the body’s ability to absorb amino acids, probiotics help maximize the benefits of dietary protein, supporting everything from muscle growth to immune health and beyond.

The Synergistic Benefits of Whey Protein and Probiotics

The combination of whey protein and probiotics like Bacillus coagulans offers several key benefits for overall health:

  1. Improved Amino Acid Absorption: The probiotic enhances the breakdown and absorption of amino acids from whey protein, ensuring that your body makes the most of the protein you consume.
  2. Muscle Growth and Recovery: Better amino acid absorption supports more efficient muscle protein synthesis, which is crucial for muscle growth, repair, and recovery after exercise.
  3. Gut Health Support: Probiotics contribute to a balanced gut microbiome, supporting digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function—essential factors for overall well-being.

 Why Supplement Whey Protein with Bacillus coagulans SNZ 1969®?

Bacillus coagulans SNZ 1969® is a spore-forming probiotic strain known for its resilience and stability in the digestive system. Unlike many other probiotics that may not survive the acidic environment of the stomach, Bacillus coagulans SNZ 1969® can withstand harsh conditions, ensuring that it reaches the gut alive, where it exerts its beneficial effects.

Probiotic strain Bacillus coagulans SNZ 1969® has shown the ability to support both protein digestion and amino acid absorption, while also positively influencing skin health. Clinical studies have revealed that the group receiving both the probiotic and whey protein experienced a significantly lower incidence of acneiform lesions.

Bacillus coagulans SNZ 1969® has a proven track record of over five decades of use across various age groups. Backed by more than 30 clinical studies, it has been shown to support gut health, including improving gastrointestinal discomfort, intestinal motility, and managing intermittent constipation in healthy individuals. Furthermore, this probiotic strain has demonstrated significant benefits for oral health, immunity, and women’s health.