A groundbreaking probiotic developed from a Bacillus strain is set to revolutionize feed for poultry and swine, enhancing gut health and improving weight-gain efficiency. This innovative solution, co-developed by KENT Nutrition Group and researchers from the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, aims to optimize the utilization of soybean meal, a primary protein source in animal diets. The collaboration highlights the potential for significant feed cost savings while promoting animal welfare and agricultural sustainability.
The Bacillus strain, isolated by poultry science researchers, boasts several advantages over traditional probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Its resilience in extreme temperatures and acidic environments ensures a higher survival rate in the gastrointestinal tract, making it particularly effective in feed processing. This strain’s ability to break down non-starch polysaccharides—complex carbohydrates found in soybean meal—addresses a critical challenge in animal nutrition. According to Billy Hargis, a distinguished professor of poultry science, these non-digestible carbohydrates can lead to intestinal inflammation and increased susceptibility to enteric diseases, as they inadvertently nourish harmful gut microbes.
The development of this probiotic underscores a shift toward more sustainable animal agriculture. Kale Causemaker, senior director of sales and business development for Innovative Solutions at KENT, expressed optimism about the commercial availability of the probiotic for producers in 2025. He emphasized the collaboration with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture as a testament to the shared commitment to improving agricultural practices.
The Technology Commercialization Office (TCO) of the Division of Agriculture played a crucial role in securing the patent-pending status and licensing the Bacillus strain to KENT. Parker Cole, associate director of TCO, highlighted the importance of translating academic research into market-ready products, noting the successful partnership with KENT. This collaboration follows the earlier release of EFFICOR, another probiotic that demonstrated significant improvements in weight gain and feed efficiency for pigs, showcasing the Division’s commitment to innovation in animal nutrition.
As the agricultural sector continues to face challenges related to sustainability and efficiency, the introduction of this novel probiotic could pave the way for healthier livestock and reduced feed costs, ultimately benefiting producers and consumers alike. The research and development efforts exemplify the potential of academic-industry partnerships in driving advancements in agritech, with implications that extend beyond individual farms to the broader landscape of animal agriculture.
