Acta Vet. Brno 2006, 75: 139-144

https://doi.org/10.2754/avb200675010139

Labelling and Content Evaluation of Commercial Veterinary Probiotics

J. Lata1, J. Juránková2, J. Doubek3, V. Příbramská1, P. Frič4, P. Dítě1, M. Kolář5, P. Scheer3, D. Kosáková3

1Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, University Hospital, Brno
2Department of Microbiology, University Hospital, Brno
3Department of Physiology, Veterinary and Pharmaceutical University Brno
4Department of Internal Medicine, Central Military Hospital, Prague
5Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital, Olomouc

Received August 23, 2005
Accepted December 12, 2005

The aim of our study was to evaluate the contents and labelling of five commercial probiotics marketed for veterinary administration. The information on the product was obtained from the inserted leaflet or the data on the package. Quantitative bacteriological culture was performed in all products, and isolates were identified via biochemical characteristics. Comparison of actual contents versus label claims was performed. Four products correctly provided information on expiry dates, species and quantity of bacteria per gram or kilogram of product. In one product, there was no probiotic species mentioned in the Czech text on the package. Culture examinations of all the three products containing Enterococcus faecium resulted in finding the declared quantity of bacteria. They also contained Lactobacillus sp. not mentioned in the leaflet. Culturing the mixture of Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus paracasei, we found only Bacillus subtilis in a quantity by one order lower than declared. In an incorrectly labelled product, Lactobacillus sp. was found instead of yeast species. Most commercial veterinary probiotic preparations are not accurately represented by label claims.