The use of medications, diets high in non-starch polysaccharides and un-digestible protein, and the consumption of chlorinated water are known to negatively affect the microbiota and over time damage the digestive tract. Therefore, probiotics are increasingly used in commercial poultry production to advantageously balance the gastrointestinal microbiota and are consequently beneficial to the host.

A multi-parameter selection process was utilised to screen more than 500 environmentally sampled Bacillus strains for probiotic properties. This screening approach resulted in the characterisation of a unique probiotic strain Bacillus subtilis DSM 32315.

GutCare PY1® contains Bacillus subtilis DSM 32315, is heat resistant and displays features that are important for its survival within the gut.

Compared to wildtype and competitor Bacillus strains, Bacillus subtilis DSM 32315 showed superior performance in simulated gastric passage assays, as well as growth assays in the presence of bile and organic acids. In several broiler-feeding trials, Bacillus subtilis DSM 32315 was able to consistently improve the overall condition of birds compared to controls.

Different scientific in-vitro as well as in-vivo studies demonstrated the ability of Bacillus subtilis DSM 32315 to modify the gut microbiota to inhibit the conditions that encourage different necrotic enteritis outbreak isolates.

In conclusion, extensive research has shown that Bacillus subtilis DSM 32315 (GutCare PY1®) is able to withstand the feed production processes and harsh conditions of the upper gastrointestinal tract, to positively balance the gut microbiome leading to enhanced profitability of poultry production.