Evaluation of Bacillus subtilis PTA 6737 in domestic cats

Twelve neutered domestic male cats (Felis catus) were utilized in a time-course study with a crossover design to examine the effects of oral Bacillus subtilis PTA 6737 administration on fecal microbial populations, apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility, and urine characteristics. Each period included baseline measurements (B0), and weekly measurements during a 3 wk treatment phase (T1, T2, T3). Treatments included 1) control (CON; 5 g Iams Proactive Health PateTM); and 2) probiotic (PRO; 1010 dose of Bacillus subtilis PTA 6737 + CON). Cats were adapted to CON and a basal diet (Iams Weight Control Proactive Health) for 2 wk prior to B0. At T3, CP digestibility, urine characteristics, and fecal concentrations (log CFU/g feces DMB) of Escherichia coli, Bifidobacterium genus, Lactobacillus genus and Clostridium perfringens were not affected by treatment, while food intake (g DM/d), and DM, OM and GE digestibilities tended to be higher (P<0.10) in cats on CON compared to PRO. Fecal spore counts (log CFU/g feces) of Bacillus subtilis PTA 6737 were increased (P<0.05) in cats on PRO at T1, T2 and T3 compared to CON and B0, and were increased (P<0.05) in cats on CON at T1 compared to B0. In conclusion, Bacillus subtilis PTA 6737 can be orally administered to domestic cats. Further research on long-term effects of Bacillus subtilis PTA 6737 administration is warranted. Grant Funding Source: Kemin Nutrisurance, Inc.