Preventing Necrotic Enteritis in Broilers: Cost Comparison of Antibiotics vs Probiotics

Necrotic enteritis (NE) caused by Clostridium perfringens is one of the most detrimental diseases in the broiler industry. This infection not only reduces chicken performance but also triggers mass mortality. As a broiler integrator, you certainly understand the high cost of treatment and losses due to NE. However, have you considered a more efficient prevention cost? This article thoroughly examines the cost comparison between using antibiotics and probiotics to prevent necrotic enteritis, and how Biosolution's Broiler Probiotic Formula can be a more economical and sustainable solution.

Why is Necrotic Enteritis a Major Problem in Broilers?

Necrotic enteritis is an enteric disease caused by toxins from Clostridium perfringens types A and C. This bacterium is normally found in the chicken's digestive tract, but certain conditions such as sudden feed changes, stress, or coccidial infections can trigger overgrowth. This leads to necrosis of the intestinal mucosa, causing reduced nutrient absorption, diarrhea, and death. Globally, NE causes losses of up to $6 billion per year (FAO data).

In broilers, NE often appears at 2-5 weeks of age with symptoms such as lethargy, decreased appetite, and bloody feces. Mortality can reach 30% in acute cases. Additionally, subclinical NE significantly reduces FCR and ADG. Therefore, prevention is key.

The Role of Clostridium perfringens in NE

Clostridium perfringens produces alpha and NetB toxins that damage intestinal epithelial cells. Predisposing factors such as high dietary protein (especially animal protein) and the use of ionophore anticoccidials also increase the risk. Without proper management, NE can become a chronic problem on farms.

NE Prevention Strategies: Antibiotics vs Probiotics

For decades, antibiotics such as bacitracin, virginiamycin, or lincomycin were used as growth promoters and NE preventives. However, the ban on AGPs (Antibiotic Growth Promoters) in many countries, including Indonesia through Minister of Agriculture Regulation No. 14/2017, has encouraged farmers to seek alternatives. Probiotics emerge as a solution that leaves no residue and does not cause resistance.

Mechanism of Probiotics in Suppressing Clostridium

Probiotics work through several complementary mechanisms. Biosolution's Broiler Probiotic Formula contains three superior strains:

• Lactobacillus acidophilus: Produces lactic acid that lowers intestinal pH, inhibiting Clostridium growth.
• Bacillus subtilis: Produces digestive enzymes (protease, amylase, cellulase) and antimicrobial compounds (subtilosin) that directly combat pathogens.
• Bacillus coagulans: Heat- and acid-resistant spores, stable in pelleted feed and able to reach the small intestine.

These three strains colonize the gut and perform competitive exclusion, competing for nutrients and adhesion sites with Clostridium. Additionally, probiotics stimulate mucosal IgA production, enhancing local immunity. With a routine dose of 1 ml/L drinking water or 2 ml/kg feed, Clostridium populations can be significantly suppressed.

Cost Analysis: Antibiotics vs Probiotics for NE Prevention

To provide a clear picture, let's calculate the cost of NE prevention per 1,000 broilers over a 35-day rearing period. Assumptions: feed price Rp 8,000/kg, harvest weight 2 kg, and FCR 1.6.

Antibiotic Cost (Preventive AGP Dose)

• Type: Bacitracin MD 50 ppm in feed
• Dose: 50 grams/ton feed
• Total feed per 1,000 birds: ± 3.2 tons (FCR 1.6 x 2 kg x 1,000 = 3,200 kg)
• Bacitracin requirement: 3.2 x 50 = 160 grams
• Bacitracin price: Rp 200,000/kg → Rp 32,000 per cycle
• Additional costs: mixing labor, residue risk (fine if detected) estimated Rp 10,000
• Total cost: Rp 42,000 per cycle

However, antibiotics do not provide long-term benefits for gut health. Once discontinued, the risk of NE returns.

Probiotic Cost (Broiler Probiotic Formula)

• Dose: 1 ml/L drinking water, equivalent to 2 ml/kg feed
• Assumed water consumption: 4 liters/bird/cycle → total 4,000 liters
• Probiotic requirement: 4,000 ml = 4 liters
• Probiotic price: Rp 50,000/liter → Rp 200,000 per cycle
• However, probiotics are given only during the starter phase (14 days) daily, and 3 times/week during grower-finisher (21 days). So effective usage is lower: ± 2.5 liters → Rp 125,000 per cycle
• Plus 10% FCR improvement: feed savings 320 kg x Rp 8,000 = Rp 2,560,000
• 7% ADG increase: higher harvest weight, additional income
• Net benefit: feed savings far exceed probiotic cost

In terms of direct cost, probiotics are indeed more expensive (Rp 125,000 vs Rp 42,000). However, when considering the economic benefits from performance improvement, probiotics are far more profitable. Not to mention the advantages of residue-free and premium quality meat.

Case Study: Probiotic Effectiveness in the Field

Research from Brawijaya University (2023) showed that the addition of multistrain probiotics (containing Lactobacillus and Bacillus) in broilers challenged with Clostridium perfringens successfully reduced NE lesion scores from 2.1 to 0.8, and suppressed mortality from 18% to 4%. FCR also improved by 9% compared to the positive control.

At Biosolution partner farms, the application of Broiler Probiotic Formula over the last 6 months showed:

• NE mortality <3% (target <3%)
• Average FCR 1.55 (previously 1.68)
• ADG 58 grams/day (previously 54 grams/day)
• No antibiotic residues in meat (0% residue)

This data proves that probiotics not only prevent NE but also increase profitability.

Other Factors Affecting Prevention Costs

Besides product price, other factors need consideration:

• Labor: Mixing probiotics is easier (dissolve in water) compared to antibiotics that must be homogeneously mixed in feed.
• Stability: Bacillus spores withstand pelleting temperatures, while some antibiotics are heat-sensitive.
• Resistance: Probiotics do not cause bacterial resistance, so they are effective long-term.
• Market value: Antibiotic-free (ABF) broilers command a 10-15% higher price in premium markets.

Conclusion

Preventing necrotic enteritis in broilers with probiotics, especially Biosolution's Broiler Probiotic Formula, offers a more economical and sustainable solution compared to antibiotics. Although the initial cost is higher, the improvement in FCR and ADG provides significant feed savings, and eliminates the risk of residues and resistance. With a mortality target of <3% and optimal performance, probiotics are a smart investment for broiler integrators.

Interested in trying? Consult your farm's needs with the Biosolution team via WhatsApp at bit.ly/ws-biosolution or see the full product at Biosolution Products.

FAQ

What is necrotic enteritis in broilers?

Necrotic enteritis is an intestinal disease caused by Clostridium perfringens toxins. Symptoms include diarrhea, lethargy, and sudden death. The disease is often triggered by stress, feed changes, or coccidial infections. Prevention is more effective than treatment.

How do probiotics prevent necrotic enteritis?

Probiotics like Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bacillus subtilis work by lowering intestinal pH, competing with pathogens, and stimulating immunity. With regular administration, Clostridium populations are suppressed and NE risk is reduced.

Are probiotics more expensive than antibiotics?

The direct cost of probiotics is indeed higher, but when considering the benefits of improved FCR and ADG, probiotics are more profitable. Feed savings from better FCR can offset the probiotic cost several times over.

What is the dosage of Broiler Probiotic Formula?

The recommended dose is 1 ml per liter of drinking water or 2 ml per kg of feed. Administer daily during the starter phase (0-14 days), then 3 times per week during the grower-finisher phase. Optimal results are achieved with regular administration.

Are probiotics safe for broilers?

Very safe. Probiotics are natural microorganisms that leave no residue and do not cause resistance. Biosolution products have been tested and proven safe, and are suitable for antibiotic-free programs.