The Brelactis Story

Microorganisms commonly found in calf microbial products are usually obtained from sources such as cheese, yogurt and yeast cultures.   The same microorganisms that might be fed to calves are regularly used in products for pigs, poultry and ruminant animals. 

With BRELACTIS, we took a different approach.  Recognizing that conditions within the young, pre-ruminant digestive tract are unique, we began our story with the calf itself.   Instead of selecting standard, off-the-shelf organisms, we looked to the calf as the source of lactic acid bacteria for BRELACTIS. 

We identified and selected the best performing, most rapidly colonizing lactic acid bacteria found in the young calf’s digestive tract, and developed a unique, patented blend of lactic acid bacteria not found in any other direct-fed microbial product.  BRELACTIS is specific to the young calf, and targets this dynamic, changing environment.

Strain Selection – Discovery

Our story begins with ten healthy 2-4 day old calves.  Five calves were selected from farms in Wisconsin and five calves were from farms in California. 

By evaluating calves born in distinct geographic regions we were able to identify those organisms found only in calves from one region as well as those organisms with broad distribution that were common to young calves from different areas of the country.

Intestinal samples were collected from each calf.  Lactic acid bacteria were obtained from segments of the esophagus, duodenum, jejunum and ileum.  A total of 1500 isolates were collected.

Strain Selection – Genetic Analysis & Identification

The first step was to determine the identity of each isolate. This process took us all the way down to the genetic level of the bacteria. DNA from each isolate was analyzed, creating a unique DNA fingerprint for each bacterial strain. The process is known as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification.

DNA Fingerprint

Using a biochemical database, DNA fingerprints were evaluated to identify each unique strain of lactic acid bacteria.  Once we knew what organisms we had, we could then determine the distribution of each strain within the calf’s digestive tract as well as its distribution among calves. 

Strain Selection – Pathogen Screening

One of our goals was to find those naturally occurring lactic acid bacteria in the calf’s digestive tract that have antagonistic action against disease causing microorganisms.  Unique bacterial strains were exposed to common intestinal calf pathogens to evaluate their effectiveness in combating pathogen growth.  Those strains showing antagonistic activity were selected for further screening.

Strain Selection – Antibiotic Compatibility Screening

Once we narrowed the field through pathogen screening, we turned our attention toward antibiotic compatibility.  Our goal was to develop a product that could be fed during antibiotic therapy.   Since antibiotics can inhibit normal bacteria as well as pathogens, we measured the ability of each strain to grow in the presence of antibiotic products commonly administered to calves.  Those strains that passed this test moved on to the final selection process.
   
Strain Selection – Final Selection

Six strains stood out above the rest and were selected for our product.  This unique combination of rapidly colonizing lactic acid bacteria comes from all investigated regions of the young calf’s digestive tract from both Wisconsin and California and provides antagonistic action against calf pathogens and compatibility with common antibiotics.  This patented blend of lactic acid bacteria can only be found in BRELACTIS.

BRELACTIS Certification

BRELACTIS regularly undergoes stringent evaluation.  Each strain is grown and maintained separately.  Every time we blend the strains together to make BRELACTIS, we confirm the genetic identity of each strain through the same DNA-PCR process used in our original strain selection.  This ensures that every bag and pail of BRELACTIS is identical for reliable and consistent results.