Microbial products need to be compared based upon guaranteed analysis, application, ingredients, price per dose (not tube or container) and performance. When comparing microbial products consider the following:
1. Ensure you are comparing like products. Example, if you are comparing horse products, be sure the comparison is to Equine Gel and not Nonruminant Gel.
2. Compare the guaranteed analysis of the products. According to industry standards, lactic acid-producing bacteria and live yeast cells should be separate guarantees. Some companies combine all the organisms into one guaranteed analysis which leads to confusion and gives a false impression the product contains a very high activity level. Conklin lists the Fastrack guarantees separately for easy comparison and to follow industry standards and guidelines.
3. Compare which strains of bacteria are included. Many strains of organisms are available for use, however, each organism has its best use. Look at this example, certain strains of organisms are best used as a forage or silage inoculant (Lactobacillus plantarum for example) and some companies include these bacteria to increase guaranteed bacteria levels.
Bifidobacteria are often included in microbial productsas well. This is a great bacteria but very temperature sensitive and must be refrigerated to maintain long term viability for greater than 2 months after manufacturing.
4. Compare enzymes. Some products list guaranteed levels on labels, others do not or list them using a method with no testing protocol. Also check the sources of the enzymes; many times you will find that competitive products will include the sources of enzymes in both the lactic acid guarantee and also as a source of enzymes. Conklin specifies which oganisms are included in the lactic acid guarantee and which organisms are included in the enzyme guarantees.
5. Consider the other ingredients. Some products such as the Fastrack Jump-Start Gel, Calf Bolus, Kick-Off, Liquid Dispersible-P, Fastrack Equine Gel and Fastrack Canine Gel contain dried egg product to aid the immune system- most competitive products do not.
The Fastrack products also contain dried chicory root which is a source of nutrients for strictly the beneficial bacteria in the small and large intestine.
6. Product history and performance. How long have the products been available and what research and on-farm trail results are available to show consistent, long-term results. The Fastrack products have been providing livestock owners around the world consistent results since 1985.
Veterinarians and nutritionists world-wide are recommending the Fastrack® program during weaning, incidence of scours, diet changes and other periods of environmental stress – and as part of an overall health maintenance program. Research has shown the importance of introducing beneficial bacteria into the digestive tract to support nutrient absorption and improve feed utilization.
Trackback URL for this post: http://heartland.ismyblogs.name/compare-fastrack/trackback/