Researchers gave lambs a special probiotic supplement containing beneficial bacteria and measured how well their immune cells could fight infections. They used a special test called the Migratest® kit to track white blood cells and found that lambs receiving probiotics had stronger immune responses. The probiotic-fed lambs showed improved ability of their white blood cells to travel to infection sites, suggesting these supplements could boost animal health. This research opens doors to understanding whether similar benefits might help other animals and potentially humans stay healthier.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether giving lambs a probiotic supplement (containing helpful bacteria) would improve their immune system’s ability to fight infections
  • Who participated: Lambs divided into two groups—one receiving a multi-strain probiotic supplement and one control group receiving no supplement. Specific sample size not provided in the abstract
  • Key finding: Lambs that received the probiotic supplement showed significantly better white blood cell migration to infection sites compared to lambs that didn’t receive probiotics. This was measured by lower levels of a protein called L-selectin, which actually indicates better immune cell movement
  • What it means for you: While this study focused on lambs, it suggests that probiotics containing these specific bacterial strains may strengthen immune systems in animals. More research is needed before applying these findings to humans, and you should consult healthcare providers before changing probiotic use

The Research Details

Researchers conducted an experimental study where they divided lambs into groups—some received a special probiotic supplement containing four types of beneficial bacteria (three Lactobacillus strains and one Bifidobacterium strain), while others served as a control group without the supplement. They then used a specialized testing tool called the Migratest® kit to measure how well the lambs’ white blood cells could move toward areas where infections occur. This test specifically looked at a marker called L-selectin expression on the white blood cells. The researchers compared the immune response measurements between the two groups to determine if probiotics made a difference.

This research approach is important because it uses a specific, measurable tool (the Migratest® kit) to objectively assess immune function rather than relying on general health observations. By measuring white blood cell movement directly, researchers can understand the actual mechanism of how probiotics might strengthen immunity. This type of detailed measurement helps scientists determine whether probiotics truly affect immune cells or if improvements are just coincidence

The study was published in BMC Veterinary Research, a peer-reviewed scientific journal, which means other experts reviewed the work before publication. However, the abstract doesn’t specify the exact number of lambs studied, which is important information for evaluating study strength. The use of a standardized testing kit (Migratest®) adds credibility to the measurements. The study appears to be a controlled experiment, which is a solid research design for comparing two groups

What the Results Show

The main finding was that lambs receiving the probiotic supplement showed significantly enhanced white blood cell migration compared to the control group. This means their immune cells were better able to travel to sites where infections occur. The researchers measured this by looking at L-selectin expression—interestingly, lower levels of this protein actually indicate better immune cell movement and function. The probiotic-supplemented lambs had decreased L-selectin levels compared to the control group, suggesting their immune systems were working more efficiently. This improvement in white blood cell movement is a key indicator of stronger immune function.

The study successfully demonstrated that the Migratest® kit is an effective tool for measuring immune cell activity in lambs. This validation of the testing method is important because it means researchers can reliably use this kit in future studies. The findings suggest that the specific combination of bacterial strains used (three Lactobacillus types and one Bifidobacterium type) may work together to enhance immune response, though the exact mechanisms weren’t fully explored in this research

This research builds on existing knowledge that probiotics can support immune function. Previous studies in humans and other animals have suggested that beneficial bacteria help immunity, but this study provides specific measurement data showing how probiotics affect white blood cell behavior. The use of the Migratest® kit to measure this effect adds a new, more precise way to evaluate probiotic benefits compared to older testing methods

The abstract doesn’t specify how many lambs were studied, which makes it difficult to assess how reliable the results are. The study focused only on lambs, so we don’t know if these results would apply to other animals or humans. The research measured only one specific immune marker (L-selectin and white blood cell migration), so there may be other immune benefits or drawbacks not captured in this study. Additionally, we don’t know details about how long the lambs received the supplement or whether benefits lasted after supplementation stopped

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, there is moderate evidence that multi-strain probiotics containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains may enhance immune function in lambs. However, this is preliminary evidence focused on animals, not humans. If you’re considering probiotics for yourself or your family, consult with a healthcare provider rather than relying solely on animal studies. For livestock owners, this research suggests probiotics might be worth exploring with a veterinarian, though more research is needed

Veterinarians and livestock farmers raising lambs or similar animals should find this research interesting as a potential tool for improving animal health. Researchers studying probiotics and immune function will appreciate the validation of the Migratest® kit as a measurement tool. People interested in probiotics for human health should note this is animal research and shouldn’t be directly applied without human studies. Those with compromised immune systems should discuss probiotics with their doctor before use

This study measured immune changes in lambs receiving probiotics, but the abstract doesn’t specify how long supplementation lasted or how quickly benefits appeared. Typically, immune system changes from probiotics take weeks to months to develop. If you were to try probiotics based on this research, you’d likely need to use them consistently for at least 4-8 weeks to potentially see benefits, though individual results vary

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If using probiotics, track daily supplement intake (yes/no) and monitor general wellness indicators like energy levels, digestive health, and frequency of minor illnesses over 8-12 weeks to see if patterns emerge
  • Users could set a daily reminder to take their probiotic supplement at the same time each day, log their intake in the app, and rate their overall wellness on a simple 1-5 scale to track potential immune benefits over time
  • Create a long-term tracking dashboard showing probiotic consistency (days taken per week), general health metrics (sleep quality, energy, illness frequency), and notes about any changes in immune-related symptoms, reviewed monthly to identify trends

This research was conducted in lambs and does not directly apply to human health. Probiotics affect different species differently, and results in animals don’t guarantee similar results in people. Before starting any probiotic supplement, especially if you have a weakened immune system, are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications, consult with your healthcare provider. This article is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Always talk to a doctor before making significant changes to your diet or supplement routine.