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Feed Prebiotics-Galacto-Oligosaccharides (GOS)
BioVenic provides feed galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) prebiotic development services for the production, characterization, and efficacy evaluation of GOS as animal feed prebiotics, supporting feed prebiotic development, animal nutrition research, and finished product formulation. Our platform covers GOS production via β-galactosidase transglycosylation (novel microorganism and enzyme discovery, substrate and process optimization), structural characterization via fractionation and GC-MS, NMR, HPAE-PAD-MS, and ESI-MS, as well as in vitro (digestion, fermentation) and in vivo efficacy evaluation across livestock, poultry, aquaculture, and companion animals. We support GOS mechanism studies with integrated multi-omics (microbiome, metabolome, proteome) analyses and biomarker discovery, along with custom assay development to evaluate immunity, growth performance, and product quality.
Production and Characterization of GOS Prebiotics
- Production of GOS Prebiotics
GOS naturally occur in milk but at low concentrations. They are commercially produced through enzymatic trans galactosylation of lactose, a milk sugar substrate, using microbial enzyme beta-galactosidase. Our GOS prebiotics production solution assists in the discovery of novel microorganisms and microbial enzymes for GOS production. By optimizing substrate, conditions, and enzymes, we enhance the production process to achieve higher GOS yield.
- Characterization of GOS Prebiotics
GOS consists of various di-, tri-, tetra-, and pentasaccharides. Characterizing different GOS types involves fractionation through yeast treatment, size-exclusion chromatography, or hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography, followed by analysis using methods like methylation analysis, GC-MS, NMR spectroscopy, HPAE-PAD-MS, and ESI-MS. Through a combination of analytical techniques, we aid researchers in exploring the characteristics of GOS prebiotics.
In Vitro Study of GOS as Animal Feed Prebiotics
- In Vitro Prebiotic Efficacy of GOS
Evaluating the prebiotic efficacy of GOS involves studying the selective consumption by bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, which contribute to the prophylactic health effects associated with GOS. Our solution enables the assessment of prebiotic GOS's effects on specific probiotics through in vitro studies, facilitating synbiotic development. In addition, our in vitro cell models provide insight into the mode of action of GOS as a prebiotic.
- In Vitro Digestion of Prebiotic GOS
We conduct in vitro digestion experiments of GOS using simulated saliva, gastric, and intestinal digestion models. These experiments unveil information about the digestion characteristics of GOS and serve as a reference for in vivo animal experiments and subsequent product development.
- In Vitro Fermentation of Prebiotic GOS
By introducing GOS into in vitro fermentation models, we investigate its impact on fermentation microbiota, microbial metabolites, gas production, and more. This aids animal nutrition researchers in determining the prebiotic effect of GOS under specific in vitro fermentation conditions and discovering its potential for synbiotic combinations with specific probiotics.
In Vivo Evaluation of GOS in Animals
Our in vivo animal models enable researchers to examine the effects of GOS as a feed additive in various animal species. We provide comprehensive analysis solutions, including feed analysis, animal nutrition and metabolism analysis, analysis of the digestive tract microbiome and metabolome, and a range of animal nutrition and metabolism research solutions. These analyses yield valuable data for studying animal immunity, digestion and metabolism, growth performance, product quality, and more.
Mechanism Study of Feed Prebiotics GOS
Prebiotics' health benefits for the host involve various mechanisms, such as selectively stimulating the growth of beneficial probiotic organisms, modulating cytokines to inhibit the secretion of pro-inflammatory markers, releasing SCFAs, and enhancing mineral absorption. Our integrated omics platform allows for the discovery of biomarkers (microbes, metabolites, proteins, genes, etc.) involved in the mode of action of prebiotic GOS, aiding in mechanism studies.
Feed GOS Prebiotics Development
We assist animal nutrition researchers in the development and validation of GOS feed prebiotic products. Through our in vivo and in vitro evaluation tools, we determine the appropriate GOS dosage in different animal feeds, investigate the effects of different GOS forms, and provide references for subsequent applications. Additionally, our analytical tools allow for the assessment of finished product quality.
Applications of GOS as Feed Prebiotics
GOS applied in animal feed offer benefits such as improved health, growth, gut microbial ecology, reduced antibiotic usage, prevention of early mortality, and diminished fecal odor. GOS has also been effective in suppressing methane production in ruminants. Table. 1 provides an overview of the application effects of GOS in different animal feed types.
Table. 1 Application effects of GOS in animal feed
| Animal Types | Effects |
|---|---|
| Pigs |
|
| Chickens |
|
| Cattle |
|
| Companion animals |
|
| Aquaculture species |
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Development Workflow of Feed Prebiotics GOS
Related Research
In a study investigating the protective effects of galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) on intestinal barrier function and colonic inflammation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged piglets, 24 weaned piglets were randomly assigned to control, LPS-challenged, GOS-supplemented, and GOS + LPS groups to evaluate barrier integrity, inflammatory markers, and mucosa-associated microbiota composition over a 21-day trial. Results demonstrated that GOS supplementation (4 g/day) significantly attenuated LPS-induced disruption of colonic barrier function, as evidenced by maintained transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and increased expression of tight junction proteins ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1 compared to the LPS-only group (p < 0.05). Inflammatory analysis revealed that GOS treatment significantly reduced colonic mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 while increasing anti-inflammatory IL-10 levels. Mucosa-associated microbiota profiling using 16S rRNA sequencing showed that GOS supplementation significantly increased the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus on the colonic mucosa, while reducing Escherichia-Shigella and Prevotella populations. Short-chain fatty acid analysis demonstrated that GOS treatment elevated colonic acetate and butyrate concentrations, which correlated positively with tight junction protein expression and negatively with pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. This study establishes that GOS protects against LPS-induced colonic injury through a microbiota-mediated mechanism involving SCFA production and mucosal immune modulation, supporting its application as a barrier-protective feed prebiotic for weaning piglets.
Fig. 1 Effects of GOS on colonic epithelial morphology in LPS-challenged suckling piglets.1
Why Choose Us?
Our comprehensive technology platform provides a one-stop solution for GOS animal prebiotics development, focusing on feasibility and efficiency.
We possess a range of in vivo and in vitro research models for farm animals and companion animals, enabling comprehensive evaluations of GOS effects in different animal species.
Our advanced omics research platform provides valuable information on microbiome, metabolome, proteome, transcriptome, etc., assisting in the development of GOS prebiotics in animal feed.
Case Study
Researchers evaluated the selective prebiotic activity of galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) produced via optimized β-galactosidase trans-galactosylation, assessing its dose-dependent modulation of distinct gut bacterial groups using an in vitro fermentation model. GOS was tested at four concentration levels (0%, 0.5%, 1.5%, and 3.0%) against beneficial bacteria (bifidobacteria and lactobacilli), pathogenic competitors, and neutral commensals. The grouped analysis revealed a pronounced bifidogenic effect: high-dose GOS stimulated bifidobacterial growth to 285% of baseline and lactobacilli to 240%, demonstrating strong selective enrichment of health-promoting populations. Concurrently, pathogenic Group A and B showed progressive inhibition, declining to 55% and 62% respectively at the highest GOS concentration—indicating effective competitive exclusion. Neutral commensals remained largely unaffected (112%), confirming GOS specificity. These findings established an optimal GOS dosage window (~1.5–3.0%) that maximizes beneficial stimulation while suppressing potential pathogens, supporting its development as a precision prebiotic additive for enhancing gut microbiota balance, immune function, and growth performance across multiple target animal species including swine, poultry, and companion animals.
Fig. 2 Case Study
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What types of feed samples or raw materials are accepted for GOS analysis and evaluation?
A: Samples should be representative, adequately sealed, and shipped under conditions that prevent moisture absorption or microbial contamination. If you are working with a unique feed matrix or unconventional formulation, we strongly recommend consulting our technical support team in advance to confirm specific sample weight, packaging, and shipping requirements.
Q2: How does GOS inclusion in animal feed benefit gut health and overall performance?
A: Galacto-oligosaccharides act as targeted prebiotics that selectively stimulate the proliferation of beneficial gut microbiota, such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, while competitively inhibiting pathogenic bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. This optimization of the gut microbial ecosystem enhances nutrient digestion, improves intestinal barrier integrity, and boosts systemic immunity. Consequently, animals supplemented with GOS typically exhibit improved feed conversion ratios, enhanced growth performance, and greater resilience against environmental and pathogenic stressors.
Q3: What parameters are typically measured during the efficacy and quality evaluation of GOS feed additives?
A: Our standard evaluation services generally cover key physicochemical properties, purity profiles, moisture content, and stability tests under various feed processing conditions such as pelleting temperatures. In biological and trial evaluations, we often assess parameters including gut microbial community composition, short-chain fatty acid concentrations, nutrient digestibility coefficients, and animal growth performance metrics. If you require specific assays or specialized analytical biomarkers, we suggest reaching out to our technical support team to discuss custom testing packages.
BioVenic's research team boasts extensive experience in animal nutrition and prebiotics development, allowing us to quickly understand your needs and provide effective solutions. If you require assistance with production, characterization, in vivo and in vitro studies, finished product development, or validation of GOS as a prebiotic for animal feed, please don't hesitate to contact us. Share your research plan, and we will promptly find a suitable solution for you.
Reference
- Gao, Ren, et al. "Galacto-oligosaccharides improve barrier function and relieve colonic inflammation via modulating mucosa-associated microbiota composition in lipopolysaccharides-challenged piglets." Journal of animal science and biotechnology 12.1 (2021): 92. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40104-021-00612-z. Distributed under Open Access license CC BY 4.0. Without modification.