1. What is the microflora? Where is it located in the digestive system? What is its composition? What is the role of the microflora in feed digestion?
2. What are the factors that upset the microflora and induce changes in the gut flora?
3. What is the basic concept of probiotics and how do they work?
4. What are the minimum administration requirements for a probiotic?
5. What makes a good probiotic?
6. What exactly is Protexin?
7. When is the right time to use Protexin?
8. Are there any risks or disadvantages of using Protexin? Can you give too much?
9. Can Protexin be used to prevent disease?
10. Why do probiotic trials sometimes show variable results?
11. Is Protexin compatible with in-feed antibiotics, growth promoters or coccidiostats?
12. Is Protexin compatible with chlorine, water sanitisers and any other in-feed components?
13. Does Protexin require any special storage methods?
|
When is the right time to use Protexin?
Protexin can be used at anytime in the calf's life but specific points of great importance are:
- in the cow prior to calving
- immediately after birth to establish a correct microflora
- during periods of adverse weather conditions
- after changes of feed or housing
- to combat stress at any time:-
- After antibiotic therapy
- In preparation for and at weaning
Strategic use of Protexin during times of stress (high environmental temperatures, high stocking densities, vaccination) or management changes (nutritional change, use of antibiotics or growth promoters in feed, withdrawal feed) is very beneficial and an excellent way of introducing the concept of probiotic use.
Different forms of Protexin can be given orally as a paste, dissolved into water, mixed with feed or added into feed at the feed-pelleting stage. |
