Stress

Stress, in all forms is one of the major causes of disruption to the normal balance of micro flora in the gut. Loss of appetite, picky eating, scouring, poor condition and changes in temperament are some of the lesser consequences. Stress is easily induced with some common causes being changes in diet, heavy work or training, temperature extremes, breeding, transportation, deworming, vaccinations and changes to environment. Use of probiotics in these circumstances protects animals from negative intestinal changes while improving digestive efficiency and general health. Antibiotics are particularly harmful to gut micro flora, leaving animals susceptible to re-infection. Probiotics should always be administered following any course of antibiotics.