All the research studies that evaluate GIT microbiota found modification in microorganisms’ populations of GIT in relation to probiotic addition. Wlazło et al. [ 33] tested the effects of the administration of a fermented rapeseed meal with Bacillus subtilis as the probiotic (strain 87Y from the collection of InventionBio Ltd., Bydgoszcz, Poland) in 35-day-old New Zealand White × Popielno White rabbits for 85 days. The authors enumerate few microbial species in the duodenum, small intestine, caecum, and colon sections. Duodenum, small intestine, and colon lactic acid bacteria were increased due to probiotic addition, as well as small intestine mesophilic aerobic bacteria. No variation was detected in number of total fungi in all the sections. Noteworthily, a number of coliforms and Escherichia coli decreased in the small intestine and colon sections in relation to the probiotic diets [ 33]. A Bacillus subtilis strain, alone and in association with Lactobacillus acidophilus strain (also tested alone), were also tested by Lam Phuoc and Jamikorn [ 26]. The addition of the Bacillus subtilis probiotic strain (alone and in association with Lactobacillus acidophilus probiotic strain) increased the numbers of bacilli in the ileum and colon, and generally, an increment of the numbers of bacilli were observed in all segments in the rabbits supplemented with either one of the probiotics. Similarly, the average number of lactobacilli in all intestinal segments of the rabbits were increased after the probiotic diets. The authors hypothesise a synergistic effect between B. subtilis and L. acidophilus. On the other hand, no difference was observed in the ileum coliform number, even if L. acidophilus showed an effect on coliform numbers in the cecum and colon, and an average number in all segments. These variations led, in rabbits fed L. acidophilus probiotics, to an increase in Gram-positive bacteria (lactobacilli) and a reduction in Gram-negative bacteria (coliforms).

There are differences in how countries regulate supplements. In the United States, these substances are not as vigorously regulated by the FDA as other medications, which means they can be sold without the manufacturer proving their effectiveness, safety, and without a guarantee of consistent or accurately reported ingredients. In Canada, products that have been evaluated for quality, safety, and effectiveness by Health Canada and authorized for sale will have a license number on the label.Give mixture (as directed above /#1) @: full dose amount for 10 pound rabbit – ½ dose for 5 pound rabbit… continue dose amount based on 10lb body weight) Here’s an article about brewer’s yeast in farmed rabbits. This forum of course doesn’t approve of rabbit farming, but these are scientific findings that can benefit our house bunnies and improve their health and happiness.

Studies are limited for this supplement and therefore information regarding side effects is also limited. However, probiotics are considered very safe and have few reported side effects. Rarely, probiotics have been reported to cause gas, stomach upset, or stomach discomfort, particularly when first taking the supplement. Ringer solution with Enterococcus faecium EF9a 1.0 × 10 9 CFU/mL, in a dose 500 µL/animal/day into drinking water In poultry and pigs, B. subtilis (1.8 × 10 6 CFU g −1 diet) promoted animal growth and immune regulation ( 18, 26) and can also help animals resist intestinal pathogenic bacteria infection ( 27). In a similar study, Bacillus circulans (2 × 10 6 CFU g −1 diet) significantly enhanced the growth performance and non-specific immunity levels and disease resistance of fish ( 28). In the present study, rabbits fed with a diet containing B. subtilis at 10 6 CFU g −1 had significantly improved average weight gain, which might result from the production of nutrients and digestive enzymes. Rabbits fed a diet of 10 7 CFU g −1 B. subtilis did not grow as well as those fed with 10 6 CFU g −1, perhaps because nutrients in the gut of rabbits was absorbed by the addition of B. subtilis. In previous research, there was no difference between the group supplemented with B. subtilis alone and the controls ( 29). Such discrepancies could stem from differences among experimental conditions or among species of probiotics. However, not all the research studies agreed on the role of probiotics. Despite the numerous definitions, some authors consider the problem of probiotics a question that needs further clarification and in particular suggest the use of strict criteria before considering a substance as probiotic or not [ 12]. For example, Havenaar et al. [ 21] established a new concept of probiotics, basing their evaluation on strict criteria such as the resistance to gastric acidity and pancreatic secretions, the adhesion to epithelial cells, the presence of antimicrobial activity, the inhibition of adhesion of pathogenic bacteria, the evaluation of resistance to antibiotics, the tolerance to feed additives, and the stability in the feed matrix.

Alfalfa

In general, store this supplement in a cool, dry place, protected from light. There are many formulations and manufacturers of probiotics, so always follow the specific storage instructions on the product label. With all of the hype over the last few years, you’ve likely heard the terms probiotics and/or prebiotics at least a few times. Whether related to animals or humans, pre- and probiotics have recently garnered a great deal of attention. But what exactly are these “magical bugs” and what do they do? Are they simply two words meaning the same thing? All great questions that deserve some answers. For Starters: Understanding The Microbiome He has chronic runny eyes, but when he was young he spent over a month on antibiotics, which I feel may have permanently damaged his immune system.

You cannot define pre- or probiotics without first understanding something we’ve referenced a few times in previous blogs: the microbiome. The microbiome refers to billions and billions of microscopic living organisms (e.g. bacteria, protozoa, fungi, etc.) which reside throughout the entire gastrointestinal tract, but the largest diversity and abundance are located in the large intestine and cecum. The microbiome also varies widely between species; for example, the population compared between rabbits and cats looks very different. In recent years, scientists have been heavily focused on this topic which as led to more and more discoveries of the processes, functions, and pathways that the microbiome plays a role in and influences. Processes including fiber digestion, immune system health, pathogen colonization, inflammation, mood regulation, and many others have all been linked to the microbiome. Research in humans, dogs, and cats continues to highlight ways in which the microbiome contributes to numerous physiological pathways. Unfortunately, microbiome research is far less bountiful in exotic species. What Are Prebiotics and Probiotics?Rabbit kidney (RK-13) cells were grown in DMEM (GIBCO, Grand Island, USA) containing 10% fetal bovine serum (Transgen, Beijing, China) at 37°C in 5% CO 2. 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing and Analysis Probiotics are given by mouth in the form of a capsule, powder, chewable tablet, or liquid. Give with a meal. Measure liquid forms carefully. The microbiota, represented by a great number of microbial agents which colonise specific ecological niches, contribute to the health status of the gastrointestinal tract due to its multiple functions. What antibiotics are safe for rabbits? Can you give rabbits antibiotics without any major side effects? If your beloved bun has a bacterial illness or a wound, antibiotics may be needed. Like any other animal (yup – humans included), rabbits need medicine to get better. That doesn't mean that you can give your rabbit any antibiotics, however. Antibiotics for bigger animals such as cats and dogs are not always safe for smaller furry friends. As a rabbit owner, you need to make sure that you are giving your bun the right medicine to ensure that he gets better... without risky side effects that cause additional problems. To make it easier to know which antibiotics are safe, we've put together a handy guide on antibiotics for rabbits. These tips will then help you know how to get the best treatment, with the right antibiotics for rabbits that will heal without any issues.

Prepare lukewarm water/ probiotic powder mixture and force feed rabbit with a plastic syringe. Use about ¼ tsp powder to a couple of ounces of water. Get as much of this mixture as possible into the rabbit. Antibiotics used in animal breeding introduce problems while improving growth performance ( 1). The administration of antibiotics, whether therapeutically or prophylactically, disturbs the normal microbiotic balance of the host ( 2). Consequently, an awareness of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms caused by antibiotics encourages the development of probiotics ( 3). Probiotics are a safe alternative to antibiotics and are supplemented in the diet to prevent diseases and promote growth. Due to the spore’s resistance, survival in extreme environments, and long-term storage, spore-forming Bacillus spp. are considered to be suitable probiotics ( 4). They not only produce certain essential nutrients, such as amino acids, and vitamins K and B12 to promote growth performance ( 5) but they also promote the proliferation of beneficial anaerobic bacteria by consuming the free oxygen in the intestinal tract ( 6). In a previous study, Bacillus subtilis ( B. subtilis) DJM-51 isolated from soil demonstrated strong antagonism toward the tomato pathogen Clavibacter michiganense subsp. michiganense ATCC 7429 ( 7).Dietary supplements are substances that can be used to supplement the diet, such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs, botanicals, enzymes, and probiotics. While many supplements are sold over the counter, they still contain ingredients that have biological effects that should be managed by your veterinarian. Follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions very carefully as their directions may be significantly different from those on the label. Meat quality of rabbits fed probiotics showed as well mixed results. No variations in the pH 48, colour, proximate composition, and water holding capacity was reported by Pogány Simonová et al. [ 31], who tested in 5-week-old Hyplus breed rabbits for 28 days a strain of Enterococcus faecium (EF9a isolated from Pannon White rabbit, 1 × 10 9 CFU/mL, in a dose 500 µL/animal/day) in the drinking water. Moreover, El-Badawi et al. [ 40] and Islamov et al. [ 38] did not find, respectively, significant differences in rabbit meat quality (proximate composition) with the use of alone or combined bacteria yeast supplements ( Bacillus subtilis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and a probiotic preparation called “Rescue Kit” (1 kg of preparation contains 800 × 10 9 CFU Bacillus subtilis and 800 × 10 9 Bacillus licheniformis; inclusion level of 10 g of preparation per 1 kg of feed; White Giant breed; from 70 days old to 120). No significant effects of live Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii supplementation were observed also by Rotolo et al. [ 43] in pH 24, colour, cooking loss, and proximate composition of longissimus dorsi muscle. In this study, dairy with B. subtilis significantly improved concentrations of the serum immunoglobulins IgG and IgA of rabbits. Moreover, the relative weights of the spleen were significantly increased by dietary supplementation with B. subtilis after 5 weeks of feeding. It can thus be deduced that B. subtilis might improve immune function, which has been reported to reduce weaning stress and improve the growth performance of rabbits at weaning ( 30). It has been reported that Bacillus cereus increased the concentrations of beneficial bacteria and decreased the concentration of harmful bacteria ( 31). In the current study, the relative abundance of Bacteroides and Clostridium were significantly decreased, and Ruminococcus increased after feeding B. subtilis. The Ruminococcus contributed to the digestion and absorption of fiber in herbivores ( 32). The increase of Ruminococcus may promote the growth performance of rabbits. In addition, the increase of Bacteroides and Clostridium in the intestine leads to colitis and carcinogenesis ( 33). These findings indicate that dairy with B. subtilis can regulate intestinal flora and maintain intestinal health. Even the tiniest rabbit can put up quite an effective fight if it doesn’t want to take its medicine. It’s important to be calm and in control when giving your rabbit medicine so that neither you nor your rabbit gets hurt (even our most experienced volunteers have been bitten by rabbits trying to avoid their med.