Defined Probiotic Strains for Competitive Exclusion in Pig Digestive Tracts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current probiotic feed and drinking water additives for animals are problematic due to undefined mixtures that can transmit antibiotic resistance and are restricted by regulations, and they are not effective in addressing Brachyspira hyodysenteriae infections, which cause significant losses in pig farming.
Innovation Solution
A probiotic feed and drinking water additive containing specific microorganisms such as Bifidobacterium thermophilium DSMZ 19765, Lactobacillus salivarius DSMZ 21286, and Lactobacillus sobrius, along with additional strains like Enterococcus faecium and Bacillus subtilis, to competitively inhibit Brachyspira hyodysenteriae and other pathogenic bacteria, improving feed conversion and weight gain in piglets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If undefined mixtures of intestinal bacteria are used for competitive exclusion, then the broadest possible spectrum of intestinal bacteria can be administered, but problems of undefined mixtures such as transmission of antibiotic resistance or diseases occur and regulatory restrictions arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the undefined mixture of intestinal bacteria into specific, defined bacterial strains (Lactobacillus salivarius DSMZ 21286, Lactobacillus sobrius DSMZ 21285, and Bifidobacterium thermophilium DSMZ 19765). Each strain is individually selected and characterized, transforming the undifferentiated mixture into discrete, controllable components that can be safely regulated while maintaining broad protective effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of bacterial strain definition from undefined to specifically identified strains with known characteristics (DSMZ deposit numbers). This parameter change enables regulatory compliance and safety assurance while preserving the competitive exclusion functionality against Brachyspira hyodysenteriae and other pathogens.
2Reliability
If conventional probiotic mixtures are used, then general competitive exclusion can be achieved, but they are not effective against Brachyspira hyodysenteriae infections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selecting bacterial strains with specific properties tailored to counteract Brachyspira hyodysenteriae. The chosen strains (Lactobacillus salivarius DSMZ 21286, Lactobacillus sobrius DSMZ 21285, and Bifidobacterium thermophilium DSMZ 19765) possess particular metabolic characteristics and competitive abilities that are locally optimized for inhibiting this specific pathogen while maintaining general gut health benefits.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The use of specific microorganisms effectively reduces the frequency and severity of Brachyspira hyodysenteriae infections and improves animal performance by creating a competitive exclusion that inhibits pathogenic bacteria, ensuring safe antibiotic use and compliance with regulations.
Implementation Method 1
The use of such mixtures of microorganisms is based on the so-called 'competitive exclusion' (CE), in which an attempt is made to use so-called 'good' bacteria to displace or exclude the pathogenic or disease-causing bacteria
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a probiotic foodstuff and/or drinking water adjunct comprising at least one microorganism for the competitive inhibition of pathogenic germs of the strain Brachyspira hyodysenteriae in the digestive tract of animals, wherein the at least en microorganism is selected from the group Bifidobacterium thermophilium, Lactobacillus salivarius and Lactobacillus sobrius.