The microbiome in cattle create Bacteriocins which are much more precise than the “broad spectrum” antibiotics we use such as penicillin. Instead of killing both good and bad bacteria, these Bacteriocins can specifically target the bad actors.
Read till the end and get a special offer.
That’s right… while human made antibiotics are large radius bombs destroying everything around, microbiome produced Bacteriocins are like special forces. They often attach to the cell wall of a target and PUNCH holes through the cell wall causing it to leak out and die leaving healthy bacteria free to do their good work.
Crazier yet, because of new computer technologies, we know that the microbiota is fast becoming the greatest healthcare discovery in the last couple of centuries.
As a cattle producer, it will be extremely beneficial to know how to use tools such as probiotic, prebiotic, and other essential nutrients to protect your cattle. After all, mortality caused by Digestive Issues is a LARGE problem according to USDA statistics.
- Calves (Dairy) ~30% - Scours/Diarrhea
- Calves (Beef) ~10%-17% - Scours/Diarrhea
- Feedlot Cattle ~20%-25% - Bloat/Acidosis
- Adult Dairy ~15% - Displaced abomasum/HBS
- Adult Beef ~5% - Bloat/Forage Poisoning
You may be familiar with monensin, a common antibiotic feed additive used to make cattle more efficient. Research is finding that the natural bacteria in the rumen produce bacteriocins, like Nisin, that work almost exactly like the drug – without the negative effects.
Mastitis protection. Other research is studying how the microbiome can be used to treat udder infections, with the potential to replacing antibiotic treatment currently used for this massive problem.
These are just a few reasons why a healthy microbiome is so utterly important.
Important note: We know the use of probiotic and prebiotic is a good way to keep the microbiome healthy and active. Which in turn keeps our cattle healthy and eating. However, these tools are not all the same.
Much like vitamins, we are learning that certain strains of probiotic work in very specific ways. And knowing the right strains to use is vitally important to your success. LifeStock’s core probiotic strain is Saccharomyces boulardii. It has the most proven, science backed research of all probiotic strains used in cattle.
The biggest advantage is that it is a yeast, and not a bacteria strain. This means it is not affected by antibiotic use and can be used alongside antibiotics to rebuild the system. It protects the gut from the “crash” that usually follows antibiotic use.
It also acts as a good decoy. Harmful bacteria, like E. coli and Salmonella, have little fingers that hook onto the intestinal wall. They often mistake S. boulardii for the gut lining and bind to the yeast strain instead. And because it’s just passing through, the pathogens are physically ushed out the back door. Like a bouncer throwing out a thug.
The technique used for many years has been to “crowd out” bad bacteria using cheap probiotic. S. boulardii produces specialized enzymes called proteases that can break down and neutralize the toxins produced by things like Clostridium defficile and E. coli.
Pretty neat. But it gets better…
Calves, highly susceptible to pathogens, can get a major benefit from S. boulardii. It helps speed up the development of the natural microbiome the calf needs to fight off bad bacteria. It creates a more anaerobic environment which is exactly what beneficial gut bacteria need to grow.
It also stimulates the production of digestive enzymes like lactase and maltase, helping the calf digest milk and starter feed more efficiently. Can you say, “Better weight gain?”
If you want to ensure your calves are getting all the help and protection to not only survive but thrive, you should consider having a few boxes of LifeStock Calf Recover on hand as your calves work the first few months to establish their own, healthy microbiome and get the best start to life.
Calf Recover also comes in a powder form that's easy to mix with water, milk replacer on top dress on feed.
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Footnotes:
1. Statistics on Cattle Mortality (Digestive Issues)
The USDA APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) provides the most comprehensive data through their National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) reports.
USDA: Death Loss in U.S. Cattle and Calves (2015): This is the definitive report showing that digestive problems account for 15.4% of nonpredator deaths in calves and are a major cause in adult cattle.
Merck Veterinary Manual: Intestinal Diseases in Cattle: A highly reliable clinical overview of how diseases like Hemorrhagic Bowel Syndrome (HBS) and winter dysentery impact herd mortality.
Purdue University Study: Determinants of Feedlot Cattle Death Loss: This research paper highlights that digestive disorders (acidosis and bloat) are typically the second leading cause of death in feedlots, often occurring later in the feeding period (day 90+).
2. Research on Saccharomyces boulardii in Cattle
Recent peer-reviewed studies explain exactly why this specific yeast strain is used over others in livestock.
- Frontiers in Microbiology (2023): This study demonstrates how S. boulardii accelerates gut microbiota maturation in neonatal calves and increases the production of secretory IgA (a critical immune marker).
- Journal of Animal Science / NIH (2024): A study on Nellore beef cattle showing that S. boulardii supplementation improved weight gain and feed efficiency while reducing the incidence of liver abscesses.
Review Article: Application of S. boulardii in Feed: A comprehensive review of the yeast's role in neutralizing toxins and surviving the harsh environment of the rumen.
3. The Microbiome & Natural Antibiotics
If you want to read the primary research on the "chemical warfare" and natural antibiotics (bacteriocins) produced by the microbiome:
The Discovery of Lugdunin (Nature): This is the landmark paper describing the first major antibiotic discovered in the human nose microbiome.
Bacteriocins of the Human Gut (Journal of Bacteriology): A deep dive into how gut bacteria produce precision-strike molecules to eliminate competitors.