Broad-spectrum bacteriophage feed additive powder targeting Salmonella spp., E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens, and Bacillus subtilis. Provides targeted pathogen control in poultry and livestock without disrupting beneficial gut microbiota.
Product Name: XCELSIO
Type: Feed Additive Powder - Bacteriophage Preparation
COMPOSITION
Contains a carefully selected cocktail of strictly virulent bacteriophages specifically targeting:
- Salmonella spp.
- Escherichia coli (including avian pathogenic E. coli, APEC)
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Clostridium perfringens
- Bacillus subtilis
Note: Quantitative concentration (PFU/g) available upon request; contact manufacturer for specific certificate of analysis.
DESCRIPTION
Bacteriophage
XCELSIO is an innovative, broad-spectrum bacteriophage-based feed additive designed to provide targeted control of major pathogenic bacteria in livestock and poultry production systems. Bacteriophages are naturally occurring viruses that specifically infect and kill bacteria, offering a precise and effective alternative to conventional antimicrobials .
Unlike antibiotics that broadly impact both harmful and beneficial bacteria, bacteriophages have a very narrow host range, targeting only specific bacterial species or strains while leaving the beneficial microbiota of the animal completely unharmed . This selectivity makes XCELSIO an ideal component of antibiotic-free production programs and integrated disease management strategies .
The product contains a cocktail of strictly virulent (lytic) bacteriophages, meaning they actively kill their target bacteria through a natural life cycle that results in bacterial cell lysis (destruction) . This multi-phage cocktail approach ensures broad coverage against different strains of the target pathogens and helps prevent the development of phage-resistant bacteria .
MECHANISM OF ACTION
XCELSIO works through the natural lytic cycle of bacteriophages:
1. Recognition and Attachment:
- Bacteriophages recognize and bind to specific receptors on the surface of their target bacteria
- This specificity ensures that only pathogenic bacteria are targeted, leaving beneficial microbes untouched
2. Infection and Replication:
- The phage injects its genetic material into the bacterial cell
- The phage hijacks the bacterium's cellular machinery to produce multiple copies of new phages
3. Bacterial Lysis:
- Newly assembled phages produce enzymes (lysins) that break down the bacterial cell wall
- The bacterial cell bursts (lyses), releasing the new phages to seek out and infect remaining target bacteria
- This self-amplifying characteristic means that phages continue to multiply as long as target bacteria are present
4. Biofilm Disruption:
- Bacteriophages can penetrate and disrupt bacterial biofilms, which are protective matrices that make bacteria more resistant to conventional disinfectants and antibiotics
- Studies show phages can reduce biofilm formation by over 90% and remove existing mature biofilms
TARGET PATHOGENS AND INDICATIONS
XCELSIO is specifically formulated to target five major pathogenic bacteria affecting livestock and poultry production:
1. Salmonella spp.:
- Causes salmonellosis, a major foodborne disease affecting both animals and humans
- In poultry, Salmonella infections lead to reduced performance, mortality, and food safety concerns
- In cattle, Salmonella Dublin causes severe illness and persistent herd infections
- Bacteriophage treatment significantly reduces Salmonella colonization in the cecum and spleen
- Phages can reduce Salmonella on chicken meat by more than 92% (1.15 log10 CFU/mL reduction)
2. Escherichia coli (including APEC):
- Avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) causes colibacillosis, a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in poultry worldwide
- In livestock, E. coli infections can cause diarrhea, septicemia, and reduced performance
- Bacteriophages effectively target E. coli without affecting beneficial gut flora
3. Staphylococcus aureus:
- Causes mastitis in dairy cattle, skin infections, and systemic disease
- In poultry, can cause arthritis, bumblefoot, and septicemia
- Important zoonotic pathogen with public health implications
4. Clostridium perfringens:
- Causes necrotic enteritis in poultry, a significant disease costing the industry over $6 billion annually
- In livestock, causes enterotoxemia, gas gangrene, and sudden death
- Bacteriophage supplementation significantly improves feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio in birds challenged with C. perfringens
- Phage treatment reduces intestinal lesion scores and mortality in necrotic enteritis models
5. Bacillus subtilis:
- While often used as a probiotic, certain strains can cause opportunistic infections in immunocompromised animals
- The inclusion of B. subtilis-targeting phages allows for population management when needed
- Combined B. subtilis and bacteriophage supplementation in geese significantly enhanced body weight and feed efficiency
XCELSIO is indicated for:
- Prevention and control of bacterial infections in poultry (broilers, layers, breeders, turkeys, ducks, geese) and livestock (cattle, swine, sheep, goats)
- Reduction of foodborne pathogens to improve food safety and reduce carcass contamination at processing
- Support for antibiotic-free production systems as a natural alternative to antimicrobial growth promoters
- Management of necrotic enteritis in poultry, reducing mortality and improving performance
- Reduction of Salmonella and E. coli shedding to improve flock health and reduce environmental contamination
- Biofilm control in the gastrointestinal tract and production environment
KEY ADVANTAGES OF BACTERIOPHAGE TECHNOLOGY
- Targeted specificity: Kills only pathogenic bacteria without disrupting beneficial gut microbiota
- No antibiotic resistance: Different mechanism of action means no cross-resistance with antibiotics; phages can kill multidrug-resistant bacteria
- Self-amplifying: Phages multiply at the site of infection as long as target bacteria are present, providing sustained activity
- Biofilm penetration: Effectively penetrates and disrupts bacterial biofilms that protect pathogens from conventional treatments
- No withdrawal period: Safe for animals, humans, and the environment; leaves no residues in meat, milk, or eggs
- Compatible with probiotics: Can be used alongside beneficial bacteria like Bacillus subtilis for synergistic effects
- Environmentally sustainable: Reduces environmental contamination with antibiotics and resistant bacteria
DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION
XCELSIO is administered by mixing thoroughly into the complete feed. For optimal results, continuous feeding is recommended, particularly during periods of high disease challenge.
Recommended Inclusion Rates:
- Poultry (Broilers, Layers, Breeders, Turkeys, Ducks, Geese): 0.5 - 2 kg per ton of feed
- Swine (Piglets, Growers, Sows): 0.5 - 1.5 kg per ton of feed
- Cattle (Calves, Dairy, Beef): 10 - 50 g per animal per day, or 0.5 - 1 kg per ton of concentrate feed
- Sheep & Goats: 5 - 10 g per animal per day, or 0.5 - 1 kg per ton of feed
Dosing Considerations Based on Challenge Level:
- Preventive (low challenge): Lower end of dosage range, continuous use
- Meta-phylactic (moderate challenge): Mid-range dosage, continuous use during risk periods
- Therapeutic (high challenge/outbreak): Upper end of dosage range, may be combined with water-soluble formulation (XCELSIO wsp) for rapid response
Administration Guidelines:
- Ensure uniform mixing in feed using a gradual dilution process (premix with small amount of feed before incorporating into final mix)
- For optimal results, use continuously throughout the production cycle, particularly during high-stress periods (weaning, transport, peak production)
- Stable during feed processing including pelleting at temperatures below 70°C
- Compatible with most feed ingredients, mineral premises, vitamins, and other feed additives including probiotics and organic acids
- Research shows phages remain viable when combined with common preservatives like acetate, lactate, benzoate, and propionate
EFFICACY DATA
Against Clostridium perfringens (Necrotic Enteritis):
- Bacteriophage supplementation significantly improved feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio in broilers challenged with C. perfringens (P < 0.05)
- Intestinal lesion scores and mortality were effectively reduced with phage treatment
- Jejunal histomorphology and hematological indices showed notable restoration in phage-treated birds
Against Salmonella:
- Low-dose phage treatment (10⁵ PFU/mL) reduced splenic Salmonella colonization in chickens and improved albumin-to-globulin ratios
- Phage treatment enriched beneficial taxa like Lactobacillus crispatus and Blautia coccoides
- On chicken meat, phage treatment reduced Salmonella Enteritidis by 1.15 log10 CFU/mL (>92% reduction) after 12 hours at 4°C
- Phages inhibited more than 70-91% of Salmonella biofilm formation and removed up to 96% of mature biofilms
Against E. coli:
- Bacteriophage products have demonstrated effectiveness in controlling colibacillosis in poultry, showing lower mortality rates compared to untreated groups
Combined with Bacillus subtilis:
- Combined supplementation of B. subtilis and bacteriophages in geese significantly enhanced body weight and feed efficiency
- The combination treatment reduced serum and aquatic endotoxin levels while suppressing pathogenic bacteria (E. coli and Salmonella) in water systems
- Intestinal morphology improved with increased villus height and optimized villus-to-crypt ratios
CONTRAINDICATIONS & PRECAUTIONS
- No known contraindications when used as directed at recommended inclusion rates
- Not for direct administration to animals; must be thoroughly mixed with feed
- Ensure adequate mixing to prevent segregation during transport and handling
- Do not exceed recommended dosage without veterinary consultation
- Keep out of reach of children
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture
- Protect from temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F) for extended periods
- Use within 24 months of manufacturing date when stored properly
- Wear appropriate dust mask during handling to avoid inhalation of fine particles
- Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for use in animal feed; safe for animals, humans, and the environment
WITHDRAWAL PERIOD
- Zero days for meat, milk, and eggs
- Bacteriophages are naturally occurring and leave no residues in animal products
STORAGE
- Store in original unopened packaging in a cool, dry place
- Keep at temperature below 25°C (77°F) for optimal stability
- Protect from humidity, moisture, and direct sunlight
- Close tightly after each use to prevent moisture absorption
- Do not store near chemicals, pesticides, or fertilizers
- Avoid exposure to high temperatures or freeze-thaw cycles
Target Species: Poultry (broilers, layers, breeders, turkeys, ducks, geese), Swine (piglets, growers, sows), Cattle (dairy, beef, calves), Sheep, Goats
Pack Sizes: 1 Kg, 20 Kg
PRODUCT SUMMARY
XCELSIO Feed Additive Powder Bacteriophage Bacteriophages targeting Salmonella spp., E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens, Bacillus subtilis Poultry 1 Kg,20Kg
FOR VETERINARY USE ONLY