In and After Periods with Stress
Stress induces a disruption of the normal bacteria in the pigeon’s digestive zones, and the beneficial bacteria are the first ones to be lost with stress. Once these beneficial bacteria are removed from their normal environment by stress, many more are lost from the digestive tract and are replaced by an overgrowth of non-beneficial bacteria.
This can result in diarrhoea, loss of performance, decreased appetite and, in the stock loft, inhibited growth and limited weight gain in the youngsters.
Probiotics restore the balance between beneficial and non-beneficial bacteria. They are best given as soon as possible after the stress or just before the time of the stress. By doing so, disease or performance problems may be avoided.
In the Stock Loft
Use probiotics regularly in the stock loft as part of routine management, particularly during the breeding season. Use two to three times weekly when the stock birds are feeding youngsters.
This helps the birds resist E. coli (often associated with wet nests) and ensures that the birds get the maximum nutrition possible out of their seed at a time that often puts real demands on them.
Probiotic use will help the parents produce vigorous, robust youngsters.
In the Race Loft
Probiotics can be used in the race loft to both treat and prevent E. coli and Candida (yeast) infections. Stress disrupts the bowel bacteria, giving E. coli and yeast the opportunity to cause disease.
In lofts where these are a problem, probiotics can be used whenever E. coli or yeasts are seen under the microscope, e.g. when the droppings become green or green and watery, or when there are weather conditions that favour E. coli, such as cold, damp or humid weather.
Under such conditions, it is beneficial to give probiotics routinely as part of the loft’s disease management program, with the focus on disease prevention rather than waiting for disease to appear.
When E. coli and yeast flare-ups are a problem, our challenge is to identify the stress that caused the flare-up, while at the same time helping the birds clear the E. coli and yeast through use of probiotics.
With no ongoing stress, the droppings will appear normal within 24 hours of the start of probiotic use.
Post-Race
The stress of racing itself causes disruption to the normal bowel population. Fanciers will notice that the droppings of birds that have raced often take 24–48 hours to return fully to normal.
If coming home to probiotics, it is more likely that the droppings will be normal and that the bird will continue with a feather down drop.
Post-Weaning
At this time, we suggest not to use drugs. We want to develop a strong natural immunity.
Probiotics specifically stimulate this.
Following Antibiotic Use
Probiotic use after antibiotics hastens the re-establishment of the normal bowel population.
We recommend also adding B-vitamins together with the probiotics in this period.
