Bacillus microorganisms are gram-positive, spore-forming bacteria. They are known for their resilience and adaptability. These qualities make some Bacillus species well suited for inclusion in direct-fed microbial (DFM) feed products to support improved rumen function in high-performing cattle diets. This article will highlight the key species and discusses their potential.

Mycotoxins and bacterial endotoxins are common in many U.S. dairy farming environments, and without effective in-feed mitigation strategies, milk production is becoming ever more challenging. Volac’s technical business manager for North America, Bryan Miller, discusses the additive threat dairy farmers now face.

All animals face constant changes and challenges to their health. The maintenance of a healthy homeostatic state within the gut is important, not only to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, but it also can affect such diverse systems such as the respiratory and reproductive system. We also know that it can affect the brain and the skin health as well. The GI tract and remote organs in the body share bidirectional communication via immune, neural, endocrine or metabolic links called the “gut-organ axis.”

The body has several physical barriers to “outside” threats, the skin, the respiratory linings and the digestive tract. Of these three, the digestive tract faces the most potential threats, not only from what is ingested but also from what develops in situ, through the growth of microorganisms, the toxins some produce and even the remnants of those that die within the tract. Pathogenic bacteria normally exist within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Common ones include species of Salmonella and E. coli. Both these bacteria are gram-negative (G-), meaning they have cell walls that will not accept that stain. These bacteria can lyse, and their cell walls are broken into segments that contain “endotoxin” made of lipopolysaccharides (LPS).

Inflammation is a complex biological response triggered by the immune system in response to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, tissue injury, or stress. In mammals, including beef cattle, understanding the inflammatory response is of utmost importance as it can have significant implications for health, productivity, and overall well-being.

We are all well versed in understanding acidosis, but do we truly understand the cost of a leaky gut? What was once a topic of pH has now transitioned into the wider impacts of microbiology, endocrinology, physiology and immunology.