In an industry where efficiency and animal health directly impact the bottom line, dairy producers are increasingly turning to innovative solutions that go beyond traditional approaches. One such advancement is CERTILLUS, Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition’s customized probiotic solution, which enhances overall production efficiency while addressing gut health challenges.
Understanding the Hidden Challenges
While acute gut health issues like Hemorrhagic Bowel Syndrome (HBS) are well-recognized, the less visible subclinical challenges often go unaddressed, according to Jesse Thompson, Sr. Product Manager for Microbial Solutions at Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition.
“The less-understood challenge is more subclinical,” Thompson explains. “There are stacked stressors, maybe moderate levels of pathogens that aren’t necessarily killing the animal, but that the immune system is diverted toward fighting pathogenic challenges and ultimately dragging on production.”
These subclinical challenges can significantly impact milk production without showing obvious symptoms, making them difficult to identify without proper testing.
The Microbial Customization Process
What sets CERTILLUS apart is its customized approach based on extensive sampling and analysis.
“We’re customizing probiotics on a regional basis across the U.S. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution,” Thompson notes. “We understand that different probiotic strains do different things. This allows us to target our solutions specific to challenges in each region.”
For dairy operations, the process involves collecting fecal samples, fermented feeds, commodity feeds, and most importantly, the Total Mixed Ration (TMR) to develop custom formulations. This approach is backed by research showing that pathogen diversity varies significantly by geographical location.
“We regularly collect samples from dairy farms,” Thompson explains. “We validate that regional approach and routinely update our formulations. It’s not a static product. We’re continuously assessing what’s most effective.”
Beyond providing a probiotic solution, the Arm & Hammer team offers valuable insights through feed hygiene audits as a value-added service.
Three Pillars of Effective Probiotics
According to Thompson, CERTILLUS is built on three key pillars:
● Customization to inhibit specific regional pathogens: Unlike other products, CERTILLUS is customized to inhibit pathogens in different geographical regions.
● Improved gut integrity: Beyond inhibiting pathogens, CERTILLUS improves gut barrier function, translating to improved feed conversion efficiency, reduced treatment costs and more consistent weight gain.
● Promoting a healthy rumen microbiome: The product shifts the rumen microbiome to increase fiber-degrading bacteria, improving rumen efficiency.
Benefits Beyond Disease Prevention
While many dairy producers view probiotics as a solution for acute health challenges, their benefits extend far beyond that.
“Even in the presence of a low pathogenic challenge, we see benefits relative to rumen efficiencies,” Thompson shares, referencing research conducted at Oklahoma State University. “There are many benefits to probiotics on enhanced performance and optimal health beyond pathogenic challenges.”
This represents a shift in thinking about probiotics – from therapeutic interventions to preventative solutions that enhance overall production efficiency.
When presented with the concept of a prophylactic approach, producers often question the return on investment, particularly when their herds aren’t experiencing obvious health challenges. However, research data has proven valuable in changing this perspective, demonstrating improved feed efficiency in herds with no apparent pathogenic challenges.
Practical Implementation
For optimal results, Thompson recommends starting with CERTILLUS Calf in young animals, then transitioning to CERTILLUS Dairy as heifers mature and continue throughout lactation. Producers should consult their nutritionists to determine the proper protocol for their operation.
Not All Probiotics Are Created Equal
Thompson emphasizes the importance of scientific validation. “The effectiveness of probiotics depends greatly on the research behind them,” he explains. “Some products haven’t undergone the same level of scientific scrutiny or testing that we believe is essential.”
With a database of over 82,000 probiotic strains, Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition continuously evaluates which specific Bacillus strains will be most effective for particular challenges.
“Some probiotics in the industry have been using the same single strain of Bacillus since the 90s,” Thompson points out. “As challenges change, we want to make sure that we’re modifying our products to keep up.”
Looking Forward
As the dairy industry continues to face challenges from various fronts, solutions that enhance resilience and efficiency without adding management complexity will become increasingly valuable.
“The future of probiotics in dairy is about more than just addressing health challenges,” Thompson concludes. “It’s about creating a more productive dairy cow overall by supporting gut health proactively. When producers understand this broader perspective, they can develop more resilient herds that perform consistently throughout the natural cycles of challenges that occur on every operation.”
For more information, visit the Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition website.
References:
Thompson, J. (2022, June 22). Regional Survey of Dairy Clostridium Populations Across the United States [Presentation]. American Dairy Science Association Annual Meeting, Abstract 2040M. Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition, Church & Dwight, Inc.
Thompson, J.S., Rehberger, J.M., de Jesus, M.N., Bretl, V.G., Paszkiewicz, S.R., Mazza, F.R., Wardecke, L.J., Smith, A.H., & Rehberger, T.G. (2022). Regional Survey of Clostridium Populations Across the United States. Abstract presented at the American Dairy Science Association Annual Meeting 2022.
Maylem, E.R.S., Vargiu, M., Melton, C., Stiger, C., Thompson, J.S., O’Neill, J., Rehberger, T.G., Rehberger, J.M., Smith, A.H., Foote, A.P., & Spicer, L.J. (2024). Effect of a Bacillus subtilis-based direct-fed microbial, on milk yield, milk components, feed intake and plasma hormones and metabolites in lactating Holstein cows. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 318, 116136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2024.116136
Mazza, F.R., Thompson, J.S., Saylor, B.A., & Smith, A.H. (2024). Survey of Bacterial Populations in Various Feed Types from Farms Across the U.S. Abstract presented at the American Dairy Science Association Annual Meeting 2024.
