Across the world, the great increases in livestock production have been achieved by quickly digestible feeds with high levels of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. However the fundamental needs of ruminants are insufficiently met by such regimes, which lack raw fibres, resulting inevitably in metabolic diseases. In the case of pigs and poultry, the discrepancy between low-age and finalweights is particularly apparent. The condition of the digestive organs due to husbandry developments is widely off the performance targets.
The concomitant loss of the immunological function of the gastro-intestinal tract causes major livestock and economic problems. Only more frequent veterinary intervention can uphold stable health scenarios, which are being jeopardized by the rapid increases in antibiotic resistance with concomitant high costs.
The public acceptance of animal feeds with "turbo effects" is therefore falling world-wide. The prohibition of the use of antibiotics to maintain performance parameters means that preventive measures which do not impact on performance are now more necessary than ever.
Lactulose as supplement for livestock feed
The trend in livestock breeding not only continues to take the important factor of quantity into account, but now also focuses on quality – the health of the animals must be ensured if the target of economic breeding taking all parameters into account is to be achieved.
In the future, lactulose, with its diverse pre-biotic effects will play an important role in prophylactics for and health maintenance of the gastrointestinal tract.
The many effects of lactulose:
For example during peripartus
During the peripartus phase, it is particularly vital that livestock is given adequate feeding. The oral ingestion of lactulose can help by considerably reducing infections during this sensitive period.
Delays in delivery caused by endotoxins released during metabolism and the formation of nitrogen monoxide are two factors which can lead to an increasing probability of still births or weakness. Lactulose has been successfully investigated as a preventive measure in these cases.
The application of lactulose during food change-over in the peripartus period as well as at weaning may help positively effect the gastro-intestinal flora of the mother animal at the right time, and also helps the brood via the colostral milk.
For example in the prevention of salmonella
In the swine and poultry industry only large numbers are economic. The use of lactulose as a nutritional supplement can help in salmonella prevention and be a general aid to maintaining the health of the gastrointestinal tract as an immuno organ.
For example osmotic protective function
In many cases, destruction of the microbial ecological equilibrium of the gastro-intestinal flora leads to damaged intestinal cells. The osmotic protective function of lactulose makes it the ideal additive to feed in concentrations which are effective pre-biotically.
