NutriBAC df (Product Code #400)

NutriBAC df - A PROBIOTIC FOR REPTILES

NutriBAC df - A probiotic for use with reptiles and amphibians: patent # 5,879,719.

Contains naturally occurring microorganisms, tested and proven. This product is a water-soluble powder suitable for sprinkling on food or mixing in drinking water.

Beneficial bacteria, known as probiotics, have long been known to aid the intestinal tract of humans. Many reptile-related diseases can be traced to the health of the reptile's intestinal tract, too. A good, well-balanced probiotic offers a safe approach for aiding the healthy gut flora of reptiles.

Many keepers have reported that the use of NutriBAC df has increased their reptile's appetite, reversed constipation, and stopped regurgitation following feedings. A good probiotic or beneficial bacteria, like NutriBAC df, is simply a "tool" in the husbandry of reptiles and amphibians.

The uniqueness of the combination of "good" bacteria in NutriBAC df is that they are grown together before being harvested. Other commercial DFMs (Direct Feed Microbials) are grown separately then blended together.Growing them together affirms their compatibility. NutriBAC df is harvested live (viable) prior to the maturation log phase which assures its stability (longer life) in the gut. When bacteria are released in the intestine of the reptile or amphibian they are ready to continue their growth phase, thus extending their life in the animal's gut and increasing their efficacy.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE:

This product is very water soluble. Dusting over wet greens will work very well.

Nutribac df can also be made into a paste by adding a little water to it and dispersing for syringe type feeding.

Live feeder insects can be dusted with Nutribac df WITHOUT harming them.

Adding Nutribac df to the water bowl is another successful dosing technique. Water bowls should always be rinsed and changed DAILY.

Nutribac df is not toxic at any level. The excess bacterium is simply excreted.

GENERAL DOSING INSTRUCTIONS:

Everyday use is recommended for a short time after any antibiotic treatments.

Dust feed several times a week to maintain a healthy digestive tract.

Dust 1/6 teaspoon of Nutribac df per 1 cup of wet greens several times a week. Feeder insects may likewise be dusted lightly several times a week.

Very sick reptiles being fed "slurry" because they cannot take solid food can be given Nutribac df by adding 1/8 of a teaspoon per 5 lbs animal weight to the slurry. Always add Nutribac df to slurry just prior to feeding, to ensure it is fresh and active.

What are probiotics?

The word probiotic literally means "for life" and is often used interchangeably with the term direct-fed-microbial, DFM, which simply means a microbial (preferably a live microorganism) that is fed directly to the reptile to benefit the intestinal environment of that particular species being fed.

These microorganisms should be non-pathogenic in nature and comprised of many different organisms geared toward the well-being of the particular species. They should create an environment in the intestinal tract of a reptile that is favorable to the animal, yet hostile to pathogens (disease-causing agents).

Why do reptiles need probiotics or DFMs?

Antibiotics have been a valuable tool against certain diseases. Unfortunately, some pathogens, such as Salmonella, are resistant to their capabilities to prevent or cure disease. Because of the indiscriminate nature of some antibiotics they will destroy both "bad" and "good" bacteria. Since the bacteria "war" is a numbers game, it is important that the "good" bacteria always outnumber the "bad" bacteria.

Feeding a probiotic or DFM specially formulated for reptiles can help insure this replenishing of "good" bacteria. Since all animals can experience stress and pathogens take advantage of stressful situations it is crucial that there are fewer numbers of these potential pathogens in the gut of the animal.

What research has proven the value of probiotics in reptiles?

Green Iguanas (Iguana iguana) that were positive for Salmonella when their fecal samples were tested were divided into a control and treatment groups. The control group was fed commercial iguana food. The treatment groups were also fed commercial iguana food with different levels of NutriBAC df hand-mixed into it.

The treatment groups were also given water with the NutriBAC df supplement sprinkled in it. The trial lasted over one year with monthly fecal samples tested for Salmonella. After only four months, iguanas being fed a high concentration of NutriBAC df began testing negative for Salmonella. After nine months further enrichment tests of the intestine of some of the iguanas showed there was no Salmonella growth. Other iguanas in the NutriBAC df treatment groups also became Salmonella-negative after being fed the specially-formulated supplement.

Subsequent testing on other treated iguanas continued to prove that iguanas being fed the NutriBAC df supplement were shedding Salmonella (through the feces) less frequently than control group iguanas. Enrichment procedures were still showing no Salmonella growth on the iguanas fed the NutriBAC df. To further substantiate the findings, a strict protocol was followed to determine if the direct-fed-microbials in NutriBAC df were attaching and living within the intestinal walls of the iguanas.

The results showed a range from 484,000,000 to 1,000,000,000 colony-forming units per gram of iguana intestine! Iguanas not fed the supplement still showed Salmonella residing in the intestine, colon, and cecum.

What is a zoonosis?

A Zoonosis is a disease which can be transmitted from animals to humans. The most recognized zoonosis is salmonellosis. The ever-increasing popularity of exotic pets, such as reptiles, has brought to the forefront the zoonotic concern.

Can the right probiotic or DFM prevent zoonoses?

It can help. It has been shown that a single DFM, such as the bacillus found in yogurt, is not as effective as a combination of "good" bacteria such as is found in NutriBAC df.

NutriBAC df can be considered a management tool to help the herpetoculturist or collector in assisting the well-being of their reptile. A concentrated effort on the part of the reptile owner must be made to maintain hygiene and it is important to include both the internal and external environment of the animal.

The internal environment of the animal can include the flora of the digestive tract. Even though seemingly healthy animals may harbor potential pathogens, the key to a healthy animal is a healthy gut. The more disease-free an animal's environment, the less likely of zoonoses to occur.

Price: $10.00 per tub.

Save! Buy 3 for 25.00!

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"Willie is much better. He almost ate whole plate of food yesterday! I was so happy! From my perspective, he's recovery rapidly. And the only changes I've made are using your Mega-Ray Bulb and giving him the NutriBac. Thank you!"
-Nance