The word "probiotic" refers to organisms such as friendly bacteria, which are vital to the health and balance of the gastrointestinal tract. Good bacteria, found naturally in the digestive tract, stimulate the function of the digestive system, and process essential vitamins. But many factors including stress, antibiotics, chlorinated drinking water, meat consumption, and a high-fat, high-sugar diet-can devastate the intestinal tract's good bacteria population.
Probiotics were designed to help promote a healthier balance of good bacteria in the digestive system.
Healthy colonies of symbiotic lactobacillus and bifidobacteria coating the entire gastro-intestinal tract are the body's first line of defense against irritants and pathogenic organisms.The digestive system plays a vital role in the health, vigor and performance of all living mammals. Its correct function is dependent on the level and balance of bacteria or microbes called micro flora.
Micro flora have the major role in breaking down digestible nutrients, in the synthesis and absorption of vitamins and minerals, in stimulating the immune system and in preventing toxins from forming in the gut. Foals are born with a essentially a sterile gut, which is rapidly colonized by both beneficial and pathogenic bacteria through mothers milk.
A fine balance exists between good bacteria and bad, which can easily be disrupted, leading to scouring, ill thrift and other problems. Feeding probiotics from birth protects the foal from pathogens, improves digestive efficiency, enables better utilization of feed and makes the transition from milk to solid feed easier.All mammals benefit from probiotics ability to stabilize intestinal micro flora, maximize gut health, and resist the effects of stress.
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