Ac-i-prim® Lactobacillus acidophilus

Complementary feed with live, probiotic lactic acid bacteria (i.e. lactobacilli) for all ornamental birds, racing pigeons, quails and pheasants.

The European Authority has classified this specific Lactobacillus ("Lactobacillus acidophilus") as a "zootechnical additive" and assigned it to the functional group "gut flora stabilizers" based on extensive scientifically sound studies.

The mode of action of this "Lactobacillus acidophilus" is very diverse:

• a) it supports the development of a stable, less pathogenic intestinal flora already after chick hatching. This means: it particularly counteracts coliform bacteria, clostridia and fungi.
• b) the improved fermentation of carbohydrates and the production of lactic acid stimulate the digestive function. The additional lactic acid produced contributes to energy metabolism. More energy also means an additional boost in vitality.
• c) the better metabolism of feed naturally also affects quantitative egg formation and, above all, qualitative eggshell stability.

Ac-i-prim® with "Lactobacillus acidophilus" thus contains what is necessary to support the health of the aforementioned poultry species. The basic idea behind using a probiotic Lactobacillus (or a probiotic lactic acid bacterium) is to reduce the use of antibiotics. This makes particular sense, as antibiotic resistance is constantly increasing and poses a major problem in the poultry sector in the long run.

Over 20 years of experience in handling lactobacilli, largely in the pharmaceutical sector, has created an inexhaustible knowledge base for me. Re-scha® has transferred this knowledge to the entire manufacturing process of the Ac-i-prim® product. Re-scha's® quality standards and those of its customers are reflected in this complementary feed Ac-i-prim® with live lactic acid bacteria (or lactobacilli). Great emphasis is placed on adhering to the declared germ counts of live lactobacilli (i.e. lactic acid bacteria). A very high concentration of lactobacilli in the Ac-i-prim® product is, of course, a prerequisite for the targeted effectiveness of this product. The laboratory of the production company (i.e. culture company) of "Lactobacillus acidophilus" monitors all production steps: from the culture propagation of "Lactobacillus acidophilus" to the final stage of mixing the Ac-i-prim® product. Nothing is left to chance. The product-specific packaging of the Ac-i-prim® product, which allows for proper storage, is also a matter of course. Re-scha® has spared no expense or effort here.

The choice of this particular "Lactobacillus acidophilus" was not purely coincidental.

Ac-i-prim® contains only one strain of lactic acid bacteria. As the proverb "too many cooks spoil the broth" so aptly puts it, several different bacterial species can hinder each other in their function. It is extremely difficult to find bacteria of different species for a complementary feed that can fulfill their tasks together. Likewise, "Lactobacillus acidophilus" is not encapsulated. What good does it do the user or the animal if the capsule shell only opens after passing through the intestines? This risk is too great. Also, encapsulation would cause the product to lose a large number of valuable live bacterial germs.

This mentioned "Lactobacillus acidophilus" is a special isolate from a species that is commonly found in the small intestine of the target animal species. It is also able to occupy free intestinal receptors, among other things. Occupying small intestinal receptors, in turn, means less space in the intestine for pathogenic bacteria.

"Lactobacillus acidophilus" shows no antibiotic resistance, so Ac-i-prim® must be reapplied repeatedly after antibiotic treatments. Lactobacilli with antibiotic resistance are also not approved in the EU.

Particular importance is also attached to the use of high-quality additional components in Ac-i-prim®. Corn starch serves as a carrier for the lactic acid bacteria. This creates a very dry medium. This is one of the basic requirements for long storage stability. The addition of chicory powder with the ingredient inulin significantly accelerates the start and growth of lactic acid bacteria (or lactobacilli) in the small intestine of the target animal species. Small note: Inulin is a prebiotic and a substance that serves as a food source for beneficial bacteria (especially lactic acid bacteria). Thus, chicory powder is extremely important for the colonization of lactic acid bacteria in the small intestine of animals. For this purpose, re-scha® also offers re-scha® inulin powder as an additional booster in pure form. See also the re-scha® website.

Application of Ac-i-prim® in the target animal species:

1.) Ornamental birds:

For the first application, Ac-i-prim® should be administered for a period of at least 14 days (or even better, over 3 weeks). Further applications can be chosen as desired: for example, four times a month, or twice a week. For the supportive treatment of macrohabdiosis, a disease caused by megabacteria, the use of Ac-i-prim® is advisable for a period of at least 4-6 weeks in addition to the use of an antifungal medication. There is also no obstacle to continuous administration of the Ac-i-prim® product throughout the year. In foreseeable stress situations (due to feed changes, transport, exhibition, etc.), it is advisable to administer Ac-i-prim® 2 to 3 times a week, starting one week before the event, to prevent dysbiosis. For hand-reared parrots, Ac-i-prim® is mixed into the hand-rearing food. In the first week of life of parrot chicks, a maximum of ½ micro measuring spoon of Ac-i-prim® is given distributed over at least 3 meals a day or stirred into the feed mash cooled to body temperature. From the 2nd week of life, ½ micro measuring spoon of Ac-i-prim® is stirred into the feed mash once a day. This administration is useful here at the latest on the second day of the chick's life and then for at least 3-4 weeks. For natural rearing (feeding by the parent birds), Ac-i-prim® is administered via the parent birds' feed.

2.) Racing pigeons:

For the initial application, Ac-i-prim® should be administered for a period of at least 14 days. It is important that this initial application does not take place shortly before the "race", but at least 2-3 months earlier and then subsequently 1 to 2 times a week. In the breeding area: Ac-i-prim® should be used from day 1 of life via the parent birds' feed and for at least 7 days. The young pigeons receive Ac-i-prim® again for approx. 5 days after weaning and then subsequently at regular or irregular intervals for 1 to 2 days. The racing season for old and young pigeons poses a particular challenge for the racing pigeon breeder. To exploit the potential of "Lactobacillus acidophilus", Ac-i-prim® should be used in this area as described in the re-scha travel plan (see also flyer or internet: www.re-scha.de). During the young pigeon race, young pigeons are particularly susceptible to bacterial and viral infections due to the so-called "young pigeon disease". To support vitality, the use of Ac-i-prim® during the entire "young pigeon race" for 5 days a week can therefore be useful. A major health problem for racing pigeons is trichomonads and coccidia. We know: trichomonads and coccidia are "only" secondary pathogens. This means: if the small intestinal flora is not intact, these pathogens can multiply particularly well. A stable intestinal flora with many benign bacteria (such as lactobacilli) can mitigate the risk of a chronic course of a trichomonas or coccidial infection.

3.) Quails and Pheasants

Quails and pheasants in the breeding area (rearing and laying area) are also constantly exposed to intestinal disorders that can lead to chronic diseases. The consequences can be poor growth, reduced laying performance, and brittle eggs. Ac-i-prim® with "Lactobacillus acidophilus" supports digestive functions, as we already know. It can therefore contribute biologically to alleviating the aforementioned disorders. It is particularly important that quails and pheasants receive Ac-i-prim® from the first day of life for at least 14 days. If necessary, a significantly longer period of use is also possible without hesitation. Since Ac-i-prim® with "Lactobacillus acidophilus" is not an antibiotic, no waiting times for the consumption of eggs and slaughtered poultry need to be observed.

Application of Ac-i-prim®:

Ac-i-prim® is ideally administered via the feed. It is recommended to use the well-known "Fru-tin-fluid®" from re-scha® as a binding agent. This way, none of the valuable substance is lost, and the lactobacilli also receive additional nourishment for their multiplication.

Administration via drinking water is only advisable if the animals consume the water within 3 to 5 hours. Our own studies have shown that the mortality rate of lactobacilli significantly increases with increasing residence time of Ac-i-prim® in drinking water.

Another possibility for administration is to simply dust the feed with Ac-i-prim®. Some bacterial substance will be lost, but often there is no other option. Ac-i-prim® cannot be overdosed, as an excess of bacteria is excreted again. Also, lactobacilli stop multiplying on their own if a certain pH value in the small intestine is undershot.

For breeding preparation, animals receive Ac-i-prim® for at least 14 days. To improve egg quality, Ac-i-prim® can also be administered throughout the entire laying phase.
Young animals receive Ac-i-prim® from day 1 of life for at least 14 days. However, a longer administration period is also possible without hesitation.

Dosage of Ac-i-prim®:

Ac-i-prim® should be administered with the entire daily feed whenever possible.

The dosage is approx. 3g/kg feed (=1 slightly heaped macro measuring spoon) depending on the age and size of the animals.

Measuring spoons are included in the packaging as dosing aids.

Macro measuring spoon in the 100 g Ac-i-prim® can, slightly heaped (= 3.0g) for approx. 30 birds, racing pigeons, quails and pheasants per day.

Micro measuring spoon in the 40 g Ac-i-prim® can, slightly heaped (= 0.3g) for approx. 3 to 5 birds, racing pigeons, quails and pheasants per day. Macro measuring spoon in the 40 g Ac-i-prim® can, slightly heaped (= 3.0g) for approx. 30 birds, racing pigeons, quails and pheasants per day.

Micro measuring spoon in the 18 g Ac-i-prim® can, slightly heaped (= 0.3g) for approx. 3 to 5 birds, racing pigeons, quails and pheasants per day.

Storage and transport of Ac-i-prim®:

Recommended interim storage:

Room temperature (+ 18° Celsius to 22° Celsius): 2 months.

Refrigerator temperature (+ 6° Celsius to 8° Celsius): 6 months

Freezer chest or freezer (- 18° Celsius): significantly longer storage is possible here (see also imprint on packaging and can label).

Ac-i-prim® is stored at re-scha® in a freezer cell at -18° Celsius to -20° Celsius. It is shipped uncooled. This has no negative effects on the number of living lactic acid bacteria. Upon arrival of the Ac-i-prim® product, it is recommended to place it in the refrigerator at 6° Celsius to 8° Celsius, or even better, in the freezer at -18° Celsius. At outside temperatures of ≥ 30° Celsius, uncooled transport should not last longer than one week if possible.

Composition:

Corn starch, chicory inulin powder, calcium gluconate.

Zootechnical additives per kg Ac-i-prim®: Gut flora stabilizers: ≥ 1 x 10^12 CFU (= colony-forming units)/kg lactobacillus acidophilus (CECT 4529, 4b1715).

This product information is to be understood as a guideline for the correct use of the Ac-i-prim® product. Re scha® is also happy to provide detailed information on very specific application possibilities.

Information as of: February 2025.

Manufacturer no.: DE NI 400036