Trial 22 :Preliminary evaluation of the effect of feed supplement TURVAL 9 PIGEON (probiotic with lactic yest Kluyveomyces B0399) on homing pigeons.

There was a marked decrease in problems connected with intestinal unbalance due to competition-related stress. The plumage became softer and shinier. Moreover, an increase in the “white powder” on the nasal carnuncula was observed.

Dr. Adriano Verardi, DVM *
(*) Veterinary surgeon and Olympic racing pigeon breeder Piverone (Turin) Italy

(see: www.colombi.verardi.org)

Purpose of test

Evaluation of effect of probiotic TURVAL 9 PIGEON (with TURVAL B0399) on the performance and general appearance of competition pigeons.

Materials

Grain

Components: cereals and pulse.

Manufacturer: Natural – Verselelaga (Universal + Liégeois) (Belgium).

Feed supplement (probiotic)TURVAL 9 PIGEON:

Components: a balanced mixture of natural products such as: 80%TURVAL B0399 (tipifyed active lactic yeast Kluyveromyces F. B0399, wheat bran pre-treated and sterilized, whey powder, lactose, hydrolysed casein), 20% diosmectite, natural aromas (there is no artificial additino of calcium and phosphorus

Manufacturer: Laboratori TURVAL Laboratories srl of Pradamano, Udine (Italy). Authorisation Ministry of Health No. IT 00001UD 20.06.01.

Method

The test was carried out at Dr. Adriano Verardi’s farm at Piverone, Turin, Italy.

A comparison was established between 100 individuals over the summer-autumn of 1998.

Breed: homing pigeons.

a ) control group: Individuals 4-5 months old fed with grain.

b ) treated group: Adult individuals fed with grain with the addition of 10 grams per kilogram of TURVAL 9 PIGEON twice a week.

The probiotic was imbued in sugared water in order to cause it to be adsorbed by the grain and to be eaten without being shaken off.

Results and comments.

The individuals treated with TURVAL 9 PIGEON showed visually evident effects, as specified below.

· There was a marked decrease in problems (e.g. liquid faeces) connected with intestinal unbalance due to competition-related stress.

· The plumage became softer and shinier. Moreover, an increase in the “white powder” on the nasal carnuncula (a sign of improvement in general condition) was observed.