Preventing Necrotic Enteritis in Broilers Caused by Clostridium with Probiotics: Strain Criteria & Certification

Necrotic enteritis (NE) caused by Clostridium perfringens is one of the most detrimental enteric diseases in broilers. The economic losses from NE stem not only from mortality but also from reduced performance such as body weight and feed conversion. In the era of AGP (antibiotic growth promoter) bans in many countries, including Indonesia which is beginning to restrict them, probiotics have become a key alternative. However, not all probiotics are effective against Clostridium. Strain selection and certification assurance are determining factors for success. This article reviews the criteria for probiotic strains scientifically proven to prevent necrotic enteritis in broilers caused by Clostridium, as well as the importance of product certification. Biosolution presents the Broiler Probiotic Formula specifically formulated to suppress enteric pathogens while increasing productivity.

Why is Necrotic Enteritis a Serious Threat to Broilers?

Necrotic enteritis is a necrotic disease of the small intestine triggered by Clostridium perfringens types A and C. These bacteria produce toxins (NetB, alpha-toxin) that damage the intestinal mucosa, causing inflammation, bloody diarrhea, and sudden death. Predisposing factors include sudden feed changes, coccidial infection, and environmental stress.

Data from FAO indicates that NE causes global losses of over US$ 6 billion per year. In broilers, NE not only causes mortality (up to 30% in acute cases) but also subclinical effects that reduce body weight by 10-15% and worsen FCR. Broiler integrators feel the impact significantly as production efficiency is disrupted.

Conventional NE prevention uses AGPs such as bacitracin or virginiamycin. However, antibiotic resistance and consumer demand for residue-free meat are driving the adoption of probiotics. The right probiotics can be a sustainable solution.

Criteria for Effective Probiotic Strains Against Clostridium perfringens

Not all probiotics have the ability to suppress Clostridium. The following criteria must be met by the strain:

1. Competitive Exclusion Ability

Probiotic strains must be able to compete with Clostridium for nutrients and adhesion sites in the gut. Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bacillus subtilis have been shown to excel in this competition. Lactobacillus acidophilus adheres to the intestinal epithelium, forming a biofilm that blocks pathogen attachment.

2. Production of Antimicrobial Compounds

Lactic acid bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus produce lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and bacteriocins that lower gut pH (pH 4-5), thereby inhibiting the growth of Clostridium, which thrives at neutral pH. Bacillus subtilis produces subtilin, an antimicrobial peptide active against Gram-positive bacteria including Clostridium.

3. Stability to Temperature and Feed Processing

Probiotics for broilers must withstand pelleting temperatures (70-90°C) and gastrointestinal conditions (stomach acid, bile salts). Bacillus coagulans forms heat-resistant spores, remaining viable in pelleted feed. Biosolution selects Bacillus coagulans for its ability to survive extreme environments.

4. Immunomodulatory Ability

Probiotics should stimulate intestinal mucosal immunity. Lactobacillus acidophilus increases secretory IgA production and regulatory T cells, strengthening the gut barrier so Clostridium finds it difficult to penetrate. Bacillus subtilis triggers innate immune responses through macrophage activation.

5. Effectiveness Against Local Clostridium Strains

Probiotic strains must be tested against local Clostridium perfringens isolates. Biosolution conducts in vitro and in vivo tests to ensure that the strains in the Broiler Probiotic Formula effectively suppress Clostridium commonly found in Indonesian farms.

The Role of Certification in Ensuring Broiler Probiotic Quality

Certification provides assurance that the probiotic is safe, consistent, and effective. Integrators should check:

• Feed Safety Certification: The product must be registered with the Ministry of Agriculture (registration number). Ensure the probiotic is free from pathogens and contaminants.
• Halal Certification: For the Indonesian market, halal certification from MUI is important because the feed will be consumed by animals that will be consumed by humans.
• GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) Certification: Ensures hygienic and consistent production processes.
• Verified Claims: The product must have supporting data from laboratory tests or field trials. For example, a claim of "suppresses Clostridium by 90%" must be proven by in vitro or in vivo tests.

Biosolution has met these standards. The Broiler Probiotic Formula has a Ministry of Agriculture registration number, halal certificate, and is produced in a GMP facility. Each batch is tested for viability and antimicrobial activity.

Biosolution's Broiler Probiotic Formula: The Right Solution for Integrators

Biosolution developed the Broiler Probiotic Formula with a combination of three superior strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus coagulans. They work synergistically:

• Lactobacillus acidophilus: Lowers gut pH, inhibits Clostridium, and strengthens mucosal immunity.
• Bacillus subtilis: Produces enzymes (protease, amylase, cellulase) that improve feed digestion, and produces antimicrobials that suppress pathogens.
• Bacillus coagulans: Heat-resistant spores ensure the probiotic remains active even when mixed into pelleted feed.

Mechanism of Necrotic Enteritis Prevention

1. Competitive exclusion: Probiotic strains occupy adhesion receptors in the gut, preventing Clostridium from attaching and colonizing.
2. Lactic acid production: Gut pH drops, inhibiting Clostridium growth which is optimal at pH 6-7.
3. Bacillus enzymes: Improve protein digestion, reducing substrates for Clostridium (e.g., undigested amino acids).
4. Immunomodulation: Mucosal IgA increases, strengthening the gut barrier.

Performance Results

Data from field trials show:

• FCR improvement of 8-12%: More efficient feed, better conversion.
• ADG (Average Daily Gain) increase of 5-10%: Higher body weight.
• Mortality <3% over 35 days, including low deaths due to NE.
• 0% antibiotic residue in meat: Product safe for consumers.

Application Method

• Via drinking water: 1 ml/L water, given daily during starter period (weeks 1-2) and 3 times a week during grower-finisher (weeks 3-5).
• Via feed: 2 ml/kg feed, mix evenly.
• Timing: Morning after feeding, so probiotics are directly exposed to the gut.

Case Study: Broiler Integrator Successfully Suppresses NE with Probiotics

An integrator in West Java with a population of 100,000 birds per cycle applied the Broiler Probiotic Formula after previously experiencing NE outbreaks every cycle (mortality 8-12%). After using the probiotic according to dosage, over three consecutive cycles:

• Mortality dropped to 2-3%.
• Antibiotic (therapeutic) use reduced by 70%.
• FCR improved from 1.65 to 1.52.
• Harvest weight increased by 150 grams per bird.

The integrator also reported drier feces and better litter, indicating optimal gut health.

Conclusion

Preventing necrotic enteritis in broilers caused by Clostridium requires a holistic approach, and probiotics are a key component. The right strain criteria—competitive exclusion ability, antimicrobial production, stability, immunomodulation, and effectiveness against local strains—must be met. Certification ensures the product is safe, halal, and consistent. Biosolution's Broiler Probiotic Formula, with Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus coagulans, has been proven to suppress Clostridium, improve FCR, and support antibiotic-free production.

For more information or technical consultation, contact the Biosolution team via WhatsApp. See product details Broiler Probiotic Formula for healthier and more productive broilers.