DESCRIPTION
 ProgutTM is a yeast-based feed ingredient aimed at maintaining good gut health. The product is processed from whole brewery yeast (Saccaromyces cerevisiae) and contains both internal cell nucleotides and cell wall particles (Mannoproteins and Betaglucans).

 Mannoproteins
 Mannoproteins have the ability to agglutinate and interfere with intestinal binding. They are also known to interfere with the colonisation of harmful microbial species and decrease the number of available binding sites by acting as receptor analogues for Type-1 fimbrae. They are capable of modulating the immune system and influencing microbial populations in the gut (a prebiotic effect). They are also known to improve intestinal functions (e.g. increasing villi height, uniformity and integrity) (Lodd et al. 2002).

 Betaglucans
 Betaglucans are known to possess antimicrobial and anti-tumour properties by enhancing immunity. The main direct target cells appear to be monosyte/macrophage, neutrophil and natural killer cells. Betaglucans are readily fermented in the large bowel and serve as a fuel source for microbial populations (a prebiotic effect).

 Nucleotides
 Nucleotides are known to stimulate gut development (Tsujinaka, T et al. 1999, Sanchez-Pozo and Gill, 2002, Uauy et al. 1990 and 1994), to stimulate immunity (Grimble and westwood 2001), to stimulate the growth of cellulolytic bacteria and Bifidobacteria (Champagne, C.P. et al. 1999, Gaudreau, H. et al 1999, Mahalakshmi, R. and Murty V. 2000) and to have beneficial effects on nutrient absorption (e.g. minerals and astaxanthin)

 PROGUT BENEFITS
Through adding ProgutTM to compound or special feeds, especially during the critical periods of production such as low immune status
and the existence of E.coli related problems, it has shown in trials to:
 - Improve the immune status of the animal (Rats in vitro at Danisco Innovation Research Centre, and with pigs at Munkkila Research Farm, Finland).
- Prevent E.coli based diarrhoea and intestinal disturbances (Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Folum, 2004).
- Give better vitality (Sigra Research Centre, Latvia and Vilnius Broiler Farm, Lithuania 2003).
- Improve growth, feed conversion and production efficiency (Farm trials in Sweden 2005 and UK, 2004. Also IRTA Spain 2004, Private Research Centre France 2005 and Helsinki University 2004-2005).
 ProgutTM has been tested in vivo on many of the major production species including piglets, sows, broilers, layers, turkeys, calves and dairy cows as well as goats, rabbits and fish.
 The principle benefits of ProgutTM can be expected under normal housing conditions and while subjected to normal infection pressure. The development of immunity takes time, so to realise the full potential of the product it is recommended to Feed ProgutTM a minimum of one week prior to the critical period.

 MODE OF ACTION

E.coli attachment
 ProgutTM contains cell wall and yeast extract. At trials carried out at Danisco's Innovation Research Centre in Finland and at Giessen University in Germany, it was shown that E.coli strains agglutinate to both cell wall and yeast extract. The share of agglutination to these varies between strains. Therefore the combination of extract and cell wall is much more effective in preventing E.coli than a product only containing cell wall. In vivo trials carried out with piglets, layers and broilers increase the validity of this.

 Modulation of microbiota
 In the trial carried out at the Danish Institute of Agricultural Science in Foloum, ProgutTM has shown to help increase the ratio of potentially beneficial Bifidobacteria to the potentially harmful enteric group bacteria (E.coli containing) at weaning. The same study showed the occurrence of weaning diarrhoea in piglets with ProgutTM added to feed was statistically significantly lower and the consistency of faeces less watery (P=0.001).
 A feeding trial carried out at Munkkila Research Farm in Finland in 2005 showed that ProgutTM added to piglet feed can help to stabilise intestinal microbiota during weaning and to help keep proportions of different faecal bacterial species more stable. Piglets receiving ProgutTM also seemed to grow better than the control group (DWG = 63g higher).

 IgA content and immune cells
 IgA is a watchdog in the gut that neutralises pathogens and prevents their attachment to mucosa. ProgutTM has shown in a number of trials (e.g. Danisco's Innovation Research Centre) with different species to increase the IgA content in the gut and it's effects have been constant.
 At the same research centre, ProgutTM has shown to increase the number of immune cells in the gut wall and increase the number of immune cells (CD8+ and macrophages). Amongst other things, CD8+ and macrophages restrict the widening of infections and produce cytokines, which destroy pathogens. Compared to a commercial yeast betaglucan product with the same inclusion rate in feed, ProgutTM increased the amount of immune cells by 30%.

EFFICACY OF PROGUT
ProgutTM has shown to be safe and to bring consistent results - the mode of action is well documented since the product has been tested in vivo and in vitro in many research institutes and field trials around Europe.
 The product has been tested under practical feed processing conditions with expanding (up to 1100c) and pelleting (up to 850c) without signs of a decreased effect. Every batch of ProgutTM is chemically and biologically analysed and it's efficacy is controlled with samples of E.coli attachment in vitro. Therefore a premium quality product can be assured.

 HOW IS IT DIFFERENT?
There are a number of different alternatives to feed antibiotics in the market. They include organic acids, yeasts, probiotics, prebiotics and plant or herbal extracts. Yeasts are one of the most widely used. All of the aforementioned alternatives have similar aims in feeding; to stabilize or modulate Microbiota in the gut or to stimulate immunity.
ProgutTM contains both yeast cell wall (mannoproteins and betaglucans) and yeast extract (nucleotides). Competitive yeast cell wall products contain mannoproteins and/or betaglucans but relatively little or no nucleotides. Nucleotides are known for their effect in stimulating immunity and the growth of lactic acid and Bifidobacteria in the gut. They are also considered to be beneficial in gut development and healing infections. Mannoproteins are mainly needed in preventing the attachment of pathogenic E.coli and salmonella bacteria to the gut. Yeast betaglucans are also considered beneficial in stimulating immunity.
Most yeast cell wall products are by-products of the yeast extract industry. The extract is separated and used in the feed additive industry and the rest is sold as a feed ingredient. ProgutTM is different because it is made from whole brewery yeast  therefore contains all the important attributes of yeast  at a high level (see Table below)

DOSAGE RATES

N.B.: Dosage rates are a general rule. Dosage periods can differ  
         between species

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