Preventing Necrotic Enteritis in Broilers with Probiotics: A Guide to Applying the Broiler Probiotic Formula

Necrotic enteritis (NE) caused by Clostridium perfringens is one of the most detrimental bacterial diseases in the broiler industry. Without proper prevention, NE can lead to high mortality, reduced performance, and significant economic losses. As an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs), which are increasingly restricted, probiotics have become a reliable solution for controlling Clostridium while boosting productivity. Biosolution presents the Broiler Probiotic Formula, specifically formulated to prevent NE and improve feed efficiency. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to apply this probiotic—via drinking water, feed, or drench—so that you as a broiler integrator can optimize its use.

Why is Necrotic Enteritis a Serious Threat to Broilers?

Necrotic enteritis is an acute intestinal infection caused by Clostridium perfringens type A and C. These bacteria produce toxins that damage the intestinal mucosa, causing inflammation, necrosis, and sudden death. Predisposing factors such as coccidiosis, high-protein feed, or stress trigger the overgrowth of Clostridium. The impacts include:

• Mortality can reach 10-30% without treatment.
• Weight loss and worsened feed conversion ratio (FCR).
• Increased treatment costs, and antibiotic residues become an export issue.

Preventing NE cannot rely solely on barn management. This is where the role of probiotics as a biocontrol for pathogens becomes crucial. By suppressing Clostridium populations through competitive mechanisms and antimicrobial compound production, probiotics offer a sustainable solution without side effects.

Broiler Probiotic Formula: Composition and Mechanism of Action

Biosolution's Broiler Probiotic Formula contains three superior bacterial strains selected for their ability to control Clostridium and improve performance:

• Lactobacillus acidophilus: The main lactic acid bacterium that lowers intestinal pH, creating an unfavorable environment for Clostridium. It also competes for nutrients and adhesion sites.
• Bacillus subtilis: Produces digestive enzymes (amylase, protease, lipase) that improve feed digestibility, while also producing antimicrobial compounds such as subtilin active against Gram-positive bacteria including Clostridium.
• Bacillus coagulans: Heat-resistant spores ensure stability during feed pellet processing. Besides suppressing pathogens, it modulates intestinal mucosal immunity by stimulating IgA.

These three strains work synergistically through three main mechanisms:

1. Competitive exclusion: Compete with Clostridium for nutrients and attachment sites on the intestinal wall.
2. Production of lactic acid and antimicrobials: Lower intestinal pH and directly inhibit pathogen growth.
3. Immunomodulation: Stimulate IgA production and local immune cells, strengthening the gut's natural defenses.

Results: FCR improves by 8–12%, ADG increases by 5–10%, and NE-related mortality can be suppressed below 3%.

How to Apply the Broiler Probiotic Formula: Drinking Water, Feed, or Drench?

The most common question from integrators is: Which application method is most effective? The answer depends on the rearing phase, barn infrastructure, and specific targets. Here is a complete guide.

Application via Drinking Water

This method is most commonly used in the starter phase (days 1-7) because chicks drink more in early life. Recommended dose: 1 ml per liter of drinking water. Mix the probiotic into clean water daily in the morning after feeding. Ensure the drinking water system is free of excess chlorine (let water sit if necessary) as chlorine can reduce bacterial viability.

Advantages:

• Even distribution to all chickens.
• Easy to apply in barns with nipple drinker systems.
• Suitable for stressed chickens or those with reduced appetite.

Disadvantages:

• Limited probiotic stability in water (should be consumed within 24 hours).
• Requires dosing tank and flow calibration.

Application via Feed

For grower and finisher phases, feed application is more practical. Dose: 2 ml per kg of feed. Mix the probiotic evenly into the feed, either at the feed mill or manually in the barn. Since Bacillus coagulans is spore-forming, it withstands pelleting processes (temperatures up to 80°C).

Advantages:

• No additional equipment needed in the barn.
• Suitable for automated feeding systems.
• Longer stability (spores can last for months).

Disadvantages:

• Risk of uneven mixing if not stirred properly.
• Sick chickens may not eat enough.

Application via Drench (Oral Liquid)

Drench is a direct oral administration method using a drench gun. This method is rarely used for entire populations due to time consumption, but it is effective for:

• Day-old chicks to establish gut microflora early.
• Sick chickens that refuse to eat or drink.
• Individual treatment in early NE cases.

Dose: 0.5 ml per bird (dilute with water if necessary). Administer slowly to prevent choking.

Advantages:

• Accurate per-individual dosing.
• Bypasses water or feed quality issues.

Disadvantages:

• Inefficient for large populations (thousands of birds).
• Requires additional labor.

Recommended Frequency and Timing

• Starter (days 1-7): Administer daily via drinking water. This is critical for early gut colonization.
• Grower (days 8-21): 3 times per week (e.g., Monday, Wednesday, Friday) via feed or drinking water.
• Finisher (days 22-35): 3 times per week, stop 3 days before harvest for cost efficiency.

Best timing is in the morning after feeding, as intestinal pH is still low and enzymatic activity is high.

Case Study: Successful Broiler Integrator Suppresses NE with Probiotics

An integrator in East Java with a population of 50,000 birds per cycle applied the Broiler Probiotic Formula via drinking water in the starter phase and feed in the grower-finisher phases. Results after 3 cycles:

• NE-related mortality dropped from an average of 5% to <1%.
• FCR improved from 1.7 to 1.55.
• No antibiotic residues in meat, meeting export standards.

This success was due to consistent application and monitoring support from Biosolution's technical team.

Conclusion

Necrotic enteritis in broilers caused by Clostridium can be effectively prevented with proper probiotic use. Biosolution's Broiler Probiotic Formula, with its combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus coagulans, offers a multifunctional solution: suppressing pathogens, improving feed efficiency, and supporting AGP-free programs. Choose the application method that suits your barn conditions—drinking water for starter, feed for grower-finisher, or drench for special situations. For optimal results, consult with Biosolution's technical team to adjust dosage and schedule according to your chicken strain and barn management. Contact us via WhatsApp for personalized recommendations.

FAQ

1. Can probiotics be given together with antibiotics? It is best not to. Antibiotics can kill probiotic bacteria. Allow a gap of at least 4-6 hours between antibiotic and probiotic administration. Ideally, use probiotics as a replacement for AGPs, not together.

2. How long does it take to see probiotic effects on broiler performance? Improvements in FCR and ADG are usually seen within 1-2 rearing cycles. Suppression of NE-related mortality can be observed from the first cycle if application is consistent.

3. Are probiotics safe for sick chickens? Yes, probiotics are safe and even recommended for stressed or sick chickens as they help restore gut microflora balance. However, for acute NE cases, consult a veterinarian.

4. How should probiotics be stored to maintain activity? Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Ideal storage temperature is 15-25°C. For liquid products, use within 3 months after opening.

5. Are there any side effects of using probiotics in broilers? No side effects have been reported. Probiotics are natural microbes already present in the chicken's digestive tract. Overdose is not harmful, only wasteful.