An Application of Dried Bifidobacteria Preparation to Scouring Animals

Abstract

Effect of dried viable bifidobacteria preparations (108 B. thermophilum/g and 109 B. pseudolongum/g) on intestinal flora and clinical symptoms of scouring animals were investigated by oral administration to dogs, calves and pigs. Disturbances of bacterial flora while scouring were only seen in some limited bacterial species. In scouring animals, the population and/or incidence of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli obviously decreased while counts of enterobacteriaceae increased. Appearance of hemolytic E. coli and streptococci, and higher counts of Clostridium perfringens in scouring dogs were characteristic. Oral administration of the bifidobacteria preparation seemed to reinforce recovery of normal intestinal flora and alleviate clinical symptoms of scouring animals. Prophylactic effects of the preparation were observed in preventing diarrhea in weaned puppies, early weaned bull calves and suckling piglets.