PathKinex™ Publications, Conference Proceedings, and Other Works
Real Science and innovation are the core of the PathKinex™ platform. Below, view the ways we’ve shared PathKinex™ insights with the industry via publications, posters, technical talks, and more.
Swine
Publications
Lewton, J. R., Woodward, A., Moser, R., Thelen, K., Moeser, A., Trottier, N., Templeman, R., & Rozeboom, D. (2022). Effects of a multi-strain Bacillus subtilis–based direct-fed microbial on immunity markers and intestinal morphology in diets fed to weanling pigs. Translational Animal Science, 6(3), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txac083
Zuckermann, F. A., Husmann, R., Chen, W., Roady, P., Pfeiff, J., Leistikow, K. R., Duersteler, M., Son, S., King, M. R., & Augspurger, N. R. (2022). Bacillus-based direct-fed microbial reduces the pathogenic synergy of a coinfection with Salmonella enterica serovar choleraesuis and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus. Infection and Immunity, 90(4), e0057421. https://doi.org/10.1128/iai.00574-21
Lewton, J. R., Woodward, A., Moser, R., Thelen, K., Moeser, A., Trottier, N., Templeman, R., & Rozeboom, D. (2021). Effects of a multi-strain Bacillus subtilis–based direct-fed microbial on weanling pigs growth performance and nutrient digestibility. Translational Animal Science, 5(3), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txab058
Augspurger, N. R., Peterson, G. I., Son, S., McCormick, K., & King, M. (2018). The effect of a Bacillus subtilis–based direct-fed microbial feed additive on the lactation performance of sows and their offspring. Journal of Animal Science, 96(2), 187–188. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/sky073.345
Augspurger, N. R., Spencer, J. D., Son, S., Ley, J. A., & King, M. R. (2016). Improved growth performance of nursery pigs fed diets supplemented with a Bacillus subtilis–based direct-fed microbial feed additive [Abstract]. Journal of Animal Science, 94(2), 76. https://doi.org/10.2527/msasas2016-162
Nisley, M. J., Nolan, D., Spencer, J. D., Krahn, G., Galbraith, E., Haberl, B., Burrough, E. R., & Gabler, N. K. (2025). Evaluation of pre-wean prophylactic anticoccidial and antimicrobial strategies [Abstract]. Journal of Animal Science, 103(Suppl. 1), 73. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf102.079
Conference Proceedings and Other Works
Liu, P., Puls, C. L., Spencer, J. D., Lee, J., Galbraith, E., & Arnold, B. (2025, November 9–12). Use of a Bacillus-based product, ProVent® ECL, improved nursery performance in a porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRS) positive herd [Poster presentation]. Asian Pig Veterinary Society Congress, Fukuoka, Japan.
Liu, P. (2025, March 12–14). Leveraging pathogen surveillance learnings leads to effective health intervention strategies, including the use of Bacillus-based probiotics in swine coinfection challenges [Technical talk]. VIV Asia, Bangkok, Thailand.
Leistikow, K. R., Pederson, K., Lee, J., & Galbraith, E. (2025, March 1–4). ProVent® ECL: A comprehensive probiotic to support swine challenged with multidrug-resistant E. coli [Abstract]. 56th Annual American Association of Swine Veterinarians Meeting, San Francisco, CA, United States.
Puls, C. L., McCallum, M., McCormick, K., Spencer, J. D., Lee, J., Galbraith, E., & Arnold, B. (2025, March 1–4). A Bacillus-based product, ProVent® ECL, improved piglet recovery after a porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) wild-type break [Abstract]. 56th Annual American Association of Swine Veterinarians Meeting, San Francisco, CA, United States.
Pederson, K., Galbraith, E., Lee, J., Son, S., & King, M. (2024, February 24–27). A multi-year quantitative surveillance of nursery pigs reveals increasing carriage of F18+ Escherichia coli [Abstract]. 55th Annual American Association of Swine Veterinarians Meeting, Nashville, TN, United States.
Woodward, A., Spencer, J. D., Galbraith, E., & Arnold. B. (2024, February 24–27). The effects of fungal and bacterial infections and their toxin metabolites on pig health and performance and the impacts of a Bacillus-based mitigant in the presence of complex disease syndromes [Abstract]. 55th Annual American Association of Swine Veterinarians Meeting, Nashville, TN, United States.
Lee, J., Spencer, J., Galbraith, E., Son, S., & King, M. (2023, March 4–7). DFM Pak® improves manure characteristics to influence environmental and health benefits in the pit, the pen, and in the air [Abstract]. 54th Annual American Association of Swine Veterinarians Meeting, Aurora, CO, United States.
Lee, J., Galbraith, E., Krahn, G., Spencer, J., Son, S., & King, M. (2022, February 26–March 1). DFM Pak®, a novel combination of Bacillus strains, reduces environmental E. coli bioburden, manure buildup, and odor compounds in the swine housing environment [Abstract]. 53rd Annual American Association of Swine Veterinarians Meeting, Indianapolis, IN, United States.
Mason, B. (2022, February 26–March 1). Using ProVent® ECL to help solve an enteric health challenge within a sow unit [Abstract]. 53rd Annual American Association of Swine Veterinarians Meeting, Indianapolis, IN, United States.
Galbraith, E., Leistikow, K., Son, S., Lee, J., & King, M. (2021, February 27–March 2). Surveillance of microbial virulence genes in over 5000 pigs reveals associations between gene abundance, health status and production stage [Abstract]. 52nd Annual American Association of Swine Veterinarians Meeting, Online.
Hensch, M., Spencer, J., & Lee, J. (2021, February 27–March 2). Optimizing gut health in the face of enteric endemics [Abstract]. 52nd Annual American Association of Swine Veterinarians Meeting, Online.
Lee, J., Galbraith, E., Spencer, J., Son, S., & King, M. (2020, March 7–10). DFM Pak®, a novel combination of Bacillus strains selected for corn fiber utilization and biofilm activity, shows beneficial impacts on environmental and storage characteristics of manure [Abstract]. 51st Annual American Association of Swine Veterinarians Meeting, Atlanta, GA, United States.
Specht, T., Heimerl, M., & Heimerl, B. (2020, March 7–10). ProVent® ECL, a unique Bacillus-based direct-fed microbial (DFM), as a tool to improve wean-to-first service interval distribution and sow productivity [Abstract]. 51st Annual American Association of Swine Veterinarians Meeting, Atlanta, GA, United States.
Leistikow, K., Son, S., & King, M. (2019, March 9–12). Meta-analysis of enteric pathogen genes identified in 122 swine flows across the United States [Abstract]. 50th Annual American Association of Swine Veterinarians Meeting, Orlando, FL, United States.
Leistikow, K., Spencer, J., Son, S., & King, M. (2019, March 9–12). Pathogen virulence factors present in sow represent potential health threats to piglet [Abstract]. 50th Annual American Association of Swine Veterinarians Meeting, Orlando, FL, United States.
Dairy
Publications
United Animal Health. (2025, May 21). Microbial insights provide a science-driven approach to protect profitability. Dairy Herd Management. https://www.dairyherd.com/news/education/microbial-insights-provide-science-driven-approach-protect-profitability
Fensterseifer, S. R., Lange, A. M., Galbraith, E. A., Arias, R. P., Busato, S., Son, S., & King, M. R. (2025). Multiple gastrointestinal microbial virulence genes are increased in rectal swab samples from lactating dairy cows of HPAI-positive farms [Abstract]. Journal of Dairy Science, 108(Suppl. 1), 211. https://www.adsa.org/Portals/0/SiteContent/Docs/Meetings/2025ADSA/Abstracts_BOOK_2025_20250624-1249.pdf
Lange, A. M., Fensterseifer, S. R., Galbraith, E. A., Arias, R. P., Busato, S., Son, S., & King, M. R. (2025). Transition cows and cows with gastrointestinal or metabolic disease have increased loads of multiple enteric pathogens [Abstract]. Journal of Dairy Science, 108(Suppl. 1), 374. https://www.adsa.org/Portals/0/SiteContent/Docs/Meetings/2025ADSA/Abstracts_BOOK_2025_20250624-1249.pdf
Busato, S. (2024, October 30). Beyond the microbiome: The role of probiotics in HPAI coinfections. Dairy Herd Management. https://www.dairyherd.com/news/education/beyond-microbiome-role-probiotics-hpai-coinfections
Busato, S., Fensterseifer, S., & Galbraith, B. (2024, May 6). Beyond the microbiome: How probiotics can mitigate the impact of viral coinfections. Dairy Herd Management. https://www.dairyherd.com/news/education/beyond-microbiome-how-probiotics-can-mitigate-impact-viral-coinfections
Goetz, B. M., Abeyta, M. A., Rodriguez-Jimenez, S., Opgenorth, J., McGill, J. L., Fensterseifer, S. R., Arias, R. P., Lange, A. M., Galbraith, E. A., & Baumgard, L. H. (2024). Effects of a multistrain Bacillus-based direct-fed microbial on gastrointestinal permeability and biomarkers of inflammation during and following feed restriction in mid-lactation Holstein cows. Journal of Dairy Science, 107(8), 6192–6210. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2023-24352
Fensterseifer, S. R., Tiniaoui, N., Arias, R. P., Busato, S., & Zouagui, Z. (2024). Bacillus-based direct-fed microbial improved performance and health status in early postpartum dairy cows [Abstract]. Journal of Dairy Science, 107(Suppl. 1), 354. https://www.adsa.org/Portals/0/SiteContent/Docs/Meetings/2024ADSA/Abstracts_BOOK_2024_FINAL.pdf
Fensterseifer, S. R., Arias, R. P., Goetz, B. M., Abeyta, M. A., Rodriguez-Jimenez, S., Opgenorth, J., Freestone, A. D., Lange, A., Galbraith, E., & Baumgard, L. H. (2023). Bacillus-based direct-fed microbial alters fecal parameters during feed restriction in mid-lactation Holstein cows [Abstract]. Journal of Dairy Science, 106(Suppl. 1), 295. https://www.adsa.org/Portals/0/SiteContent/Docs/Meetings/2023ADSA/Abstracts_BOOK_2023.pdf
Lange, A. M., Fensterseifer, S. R., Galbraith, E. A., Arias, R. P., Goetz, B. M., & Baumgard, L. H. (2023). Bacillus direct-fed microbial impacts intestinal butyrate-producing microbial populations during feed restriction in mid-lactation Holstein cows [Abstract]. Journal of Dairy Science, 106(Suppl. 1), 229–230. https://www.adsa.org/Portals/0/SiteContent/Docs/Meetings/2023ADSA/Abstracts_BOOK_2023.pdf
Goetz, B. M., Abeyta, M. A., Rodriguez-Jimenez, S., Opgenorth, J., Freestone, A. D., Flemming, T. A., McGill, J. L., Fensterseifer, S. R., Arias, R. P., & Baumgard, L. H. (2023). Effects of a Bacillus-based direct fed microbial on inflammation and gastrointestinal tract permeability during feed restriction in mid-lactation Holstein cows [Abstract]. Journal of Dairy Science, 106(Suppl. 1), 383. https://www.adsa.org/Portals/0/SiteContent/Docs/Meetings/2023ADSA/Abstracts_BOOK_2023.pdf
Fensterseifer, S. R., Arias, R. P., Peter, C. M., Lange, A., & Galbraith, E. (2022). Effects of a Bacillus-based direct-fed microbial on health and production of high-performing lactating dairy cows [Abstract]. Journal of Dairy Science, 105(Suppl. 1), 44. https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/article/S0022-0302(22)00577-X/pdf
Lange, A. M., Galbraith, E. A., Arias, R. P., Fensterseifer, S. R., Son, S., & King, M. R. (2022). Microbial virulence genes in rectal swab samples are correlated with environmental, metabolic, and gut health stressors in US dairy cows [Abstract]. Journal of Dairy Science, 105(Suppl. 1), 338–339. https://www.adsa.org/Portals/0/SiteContent/Docs/Meetings/PastMeetings/Annual/2022/336.pdf
Fensterseifer, S. R., Arias, R. P., Peter, C. M., Haag, D., Lange, A. M., & Galbraith, E. A. (2020). Effects of a Bacillus-based direct-fed microbial on high- and low-health calf herds [Abstract]. Journal of Dairy Science, 103(Suppl. 1), 72.
Fensterseifer, S. R., Arias, R. P., Galbraith, E. A., & Peter, C. M. (2019). Effect of a Bacillus-based direct-fed microbial on production, health, and reproduction in lactating dairy cattle: A meta-analysis [Abstract]. Journal of Dairy Science, 102(Suppl. 1), 324. https://m.adsa.org/2019/abs/t/78712
Galbraith, E. A., Lange, A. M., Son, S., Arias, R. P., Fensterseifer, S. R., Peter, C. M., & King, M. R. (2019). Abundance of microbial virulence genes in rectal swabs from US dairy cows varies by stage of lactation [Abstract]. Journal of Dairy Science, 102(Suppl. 1), 322. https://m.adsa.org/2019/abs/t/79066
Lange, A. M., Galbraith, E. A., Son, S., Arias, R. P., Peter, C. M., & King, M. R. (2019). Microbial virulence gene abundance in rectal swabs from US dairy cows with or without gastrointestinal disease symptoms [Abstract]. Journal of Dairy Science, 102(Suppl. 1), 322. https://m.adsa.org/2019/abs/t/79227
Goetz, B. M., Abeyta, M. A., Rodriguez-Jimenez, S., Opgenorth, J., Freestone, A. D., Flemming, T. A., Fensterseifer, S. R., Arias, R. P., & Baumgard, L. H. (2023). Effects of a Bacillus-based direct-fed microbial on production and metabolism during feed restriction in mid-lactation Holstein cows [Abstract]. Journal of Dairy Science, 106(Suppl. 1), 108. https://www.adsa.org/Portals/0/SiteContent/Docs/Meetings/2023ADSA/Abstracts_BOOK_2023.pdf
Conference Proceedings and Other Works
Sorrell, S., & Elliott, J. (Co-hosts). Spencer, J., Galbraith, B., & Schcolnik, E. (Guests). (2025, June 3). H5N1 outbreak challenges and opportunities (No. 149) [Video podcast episode]. In Real Science Exchange, Balchem. https://balchem.com/anh/podcasts-webinars/h5n1-outbreak-challenges-and-opportunities/
Poultry
Publications
Lyons, A. M., Dirks, B. P., Leyva-Jimenez, H., & Persia, M. E. (2025). Evaluation of Bacillus-based fed microbials on the performance and eggshell quality of first-cycle laying hens from 55 to 75 weeks of age. Journal of Applied Poultry Research, 34(4), 100610. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.japr.2025.100610
Rocha, J., Leyva-Jimenez, H., Burden, Y., Dirks, B., & Archer, G. S. (2024). The effect of dietary supplementation of a Bacillus-based direct-fed microbial on Pekin duck performance and welfare. Journal of Applied Poultry Research, 33(3), 100453. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.japr.2024.100453
Rocha, J., Leyva-Jimenez, H., Burden, Y., Dirks, B., & Archer, G. S. (2024). The effect of dietary supplementation of a Bacillus-based direct fed-microbial on Pekin duck subjected to heat stress challenge. Livestock Science, 289, 105579. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2024.105579
Rocha, J., Leyva-Jimenez, H., Burden, Y., Dirks, B., & Archer, G. S. (2023). The effect of dietary supplementation of a direct-fed microbial on Pekin duck overall stress & immune cell populations [Abstract]. Poultry Science, 102(E-Suppl. 1), 65.
Leyva-Jimenez, H., Shen, S., McCormick, K., Martin, M., Liu, P., Haag, D., Galbraith, E., & Blair, M. (2022). Applied Research Note: Evaluation of a Bacillus-based direct-fed microbial as a strategy to reduce hydrogen sulfide emissions from poultry excreta using a practical monitoring method. Journal of Applied Poultry Research, 31(1), 100231. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.japr.2021.100231
Shen, S., Leyva-Jimenez, H., McCormick, K., Haag, D., & Galbraith, E. (2021). Remediation of hydrogen sulfide emissions from poultry excreta by dietary supplementation of a proprietary microbial product [Abstract]. Poultry Science, 100(E-Suppl. 1), 77.
Lange, A. (2020, December 7). Insights from microbial surveillance in broiler flocks. Dairy Global. https://www.dairyglobal.net/specials/insights-from-microbial-surveillance-in-broiler-flocks/
Augspurger, N., Hofacre, C., & Edward, J. (2019). The effect of a Bacillus-based direct-fed microbial on broiler chickens subjected to a necrotic enteritis challenge [Abstract]. Poultry Science, 98(E-Suppl. 1), 247.
Flores, C., Duong, T., Augspurger, N., & Lee, J. (2019). Efficacy of Bacillus subtilis administered as a direct-fed microorganism in comparison to an antibiotic growth promoter and in diets with low and high DDGS inclusion levels in broiler chickens. Journal of Applied Poultry Research, 28(4), 902–911. https://doi.org/10.3382/japr/pfz048
Smith, K., Latham, R., Augspurger, N., Brown, B., King, M., Son, S., & Lee, J. T. (2017). Evaluation of a direct-fed microbial (DFM) compared to antibiotic growth promoters in male broiler growth parameters [Abstract]. Poultry Science, 96(E-Suppl. 1), 320.
Brown, K., Walters, H., Price, J., Augspurger, N., King, M., Son, S., & Lee, J. T. (2015). Evaluation of a direct-fed microbial (DFM) on broiler growth performance and processing yield [Abstract]. Poultry Science, 94(E-Suppl. 1), 214.
Conference Proceedings and Other Works
Amarin, N., Alsaleh, W., & Leyva-Jimenez, H. (2025, October 6–10). Evaluation of a Bacillus-based probiotic as an alternative to antibiotics and its potential role in antimicrobial resistance reduction for E. coli in commercial broiler farms in Saudi Arabia [Poster presentation]. 23rd WVPA Conference, Kuching, Sarawak, Malasia.
Doden, H. L. (2025, April 29–May 2). Multiple pathogens, one farm: PathKinex™ reveals the overlooked risk of coinfections [Industry seminar presentation]. ANECA Annual Convention, Guadalajara, Mexico.
Leyva-Jimenez, H. (2025, April 29–May 2). Amnil is an effective tool to reduce noxious gas emissions and improve the environment of commercial livestock and poultry operations [Industry seminar presentation]. ANECA Annual Convention, Guadalajara, Mexico.
O’Keefe, T. (Host). Dirks, B. (Guest). (2025, April 23). Microbial surveillance reveals insights on co-infections [Video podcast episode]. In WATT Poultry Chat, WATT Global Media. https://www.wattagnet.com/industry-resources/watt-poultry-chat/video/15713064/microbial-surveillance-uncovering-poultry-coinfections
Galbraith, E., & Leyva-Jimenez, H. (2025, March 12–14). Understanding bacterial coinfections drives the successful implementation of Bacillus-based probiotic strategies for pathogen control in poultry [Technical talk]. VIV Asia, Bangkok, Thailand.
Muirhead, S. (Host). Amarin, N. (Guest). (2025, January 31). Microbial surveillance reveals insights into bacterial interactions leading to coinfections [Video podcast episode]. In Feedstuffs 365, Feedstuffs. https://www.feedstuffs.com/nutrition-and-health/microbial-surveillance-reveals-insights-into-bacterial-interactions-leading-to-coinfections
Delago, F., Galbraith, E., Persia, M., Woodward, A., King, M., Son, S., & Dirks, B. (2025, January 27–28). Evaluation of the impact of feed additives on pathogens associated with necrotic enteritis in broilers raised on used litter seeded with cocci [Abstract]. International Poultry Scientific Forum, Atlanta, GA, United States.
Elstner, A. M., Hirai, R., Silva, A., Deleon, D., Leyva-Jimenez, H., Dirks, B., Burden, Y., McCormick, K., & Bailey, C. (2025, January 27–28). Evaluation of direct-fed microbial on growth performance in birds subjected to ingredient-based dietary stress [Abstract]. International Poultry Scientific Forum, Atlanta, GA, United States.
Amarin, N., & Leyva-Jimenez, H. (2024, September 3–6). A strategic Bacillus-based probiotic “Novela platform” can help to restore health [Poster presentation]. 2nd WVPA Africa and Middle East Meeting, Cairo, Egypt.
Hess, A. (Host). Dirks, B., & Galbraith, E. (Guests). (2024, February 5). Microbial surveillance provides insights into bacterial interactions leading to coinfections in broilers. In Feedstuffs 365, Feedstuffs. https://www.feedstuffs.com/agribusiness-news/microbial-surveillance-provides-insights-into-bacterial-interactions-leading-to-coinfections-in-broilers
Leyva-Jimenez, H., Galbraith, E. A., Delago, F., Doden, H. L., Soto, C., & Dirks, B. (2024, January 30–February 1). A DNA-based microbial surveillance platform can provide insights on bacterial interactions leading to coinfections in broiler chickens [Technical talk]. International Production and Processing Expo, Atlanta, GA, United States.
Leyva-Jimenez, H., Galbraith, E., Shen, S., Lee, J., Spencer, J., & Dirks, B. (2024, January 30–February 1). Bacillus-based probiotics can be effective tools to ameliorate noxious gas emissions and improve the environment of commercial livestock and poultry operations [Technical talk]. International Production and Processing Expo, Atlanta, GA, United States.
Jiral, E., Rocha, J., Leyva-Jimenez, H., Burden, Y., Soto, C., Dirks, B., & Archer, G. S. (2024, January 29–30). The effects of a multi-carbohydrase enzyme complex and direct-fed microbial supplementation to energy-reduced diets on broiler performance and carcass traits [Abstract]. International Poultry Scientific Forum, Atlanta, GA, United States.
Leyva-Jimenez, H., Burden, Y., McCormick, K., Haag, D., Woodward, A., & Dirks, B. (2024, January 29–30). Comparative efficacy of a Bacillus-based direct fed microbial and an antibiotic on performance and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens [Abstract]. International Poultry Scientific Forum, Atlanta, GA, United States.
Merghani, A., Tareq, S., Talhawi, W., Oryan, M., Salih, W., & Amarin, N. (2024, January 29–30). Efficacy (Novela Plus) a multi-strain Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus pumilus probiotic via drinking water on growth performance of broiler chickens during fowl adenovirus infection in the United Arab Emirates [Abstract]. International Poultry Scientific Forum, Atlanta, GA, United States.
Surveillance data provides poultry producers with valuable insight. Dirks, B., & Staggs, K.. 2023. Feedstuffs 365 Interview.
Rady, M., Soliman, A., El-Tokhy, A., Badr, M., Zanaty, A., & Amarin, N. (2023, September 4–8). Efficacy of a multi-strain Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus pumilus probiotic given through drinking water on reducing mortality after H9N2 & IBV field infection [Poster presentation]. 22nd WVPA Congress, Verona, Italy.
Galbraith, E. A., & Leyva-Jimenez, H. (2023, March 8–10). PathKinex™, a microbial surveillance tool, quantifies poultry pathogens and demonstrates control using Novela® ECL [Technical talk]. VIV Asia, Bangkok, Thailand.
Galbraith, E. A., Lange, A. L., Delago, F., Haag, D., Staggs, K., Son, S., & King, M. R. (2023, January 24–26). Insights from high- and low-performing broiler flocks revealed by a DNA-based microbial surveillance platform [Technical talk]. International Production and Processing Expo, Atlanta, GA, United States.
