New way to cut animal infection

Following the results of recent trials, an ingredient that is currently only available commercially may be able to help prevent bacterial infections and improve the growth of farm animals if used in animal feed.

Commercially available as Bimuno, the galacto-oligosaccharide has been studied as an alternative to antibiotics, which have been banned in the EU since 2006. It is available as a powder, which may be added to livestock feeds.

The January issue of the Journal of Medical Microbiology reported that Bimuno was shown to suppress salmonella colonisation in mice and protect the gut from - and reduce all clinical signs, symptoms and severity of - salmonella infections.

Dr George Tzortzis, an author of the study from Clasado, explained: "The growing evidence about this specific ingredient shows it has huge potential to protect livestock from salmonella. This is a positive development in the urgent search for antibiotic alternatives to help animals resist infection.

"This study may have positive implications for both animal and human health, given that this bacterium can be transmitted to humans via the food chain."

Bimuno Tel: 01908 577850