Actifibe®
Actifibe® is a proprietary prebiotic designed to ferment slowly throughout the entire length of the gut. That steady energy feeds beneficial bacteria, supports gut integrity and helps reinforce the immune system.
A Natural Way to Strengthen Gut Health and Immune Defenses
What is Actifibe and How Does it Improve Gut Health and Immunity?
Actifibe is a patented prebiotic fiber that feeds beneficial bacteria throughout the entire digestive tract and helps support a normal immune function in animals. Unlike typical prebiotics, which ferment too quickly to be effective in the lower gut or don’t reach it at all, Actifibe works differently. Its unique structure allows it to be slowly and selectively utilized by beneficial bacteria.
By promoting a healthy microbial balance and strengthening intestinal integrity, Actifibe supports better digestion, stronger immunity and improved feed efficiency in livestock and poultry.
Why Traditional Prebiotics Fall Short
Most prebiotics, like FOS (fructooligosaccharide) or inulin, have a long, narrow structure that’s rapidly broken down by enzymes in the upper gut. This early fermentation limits their ability to feed beneficial bacteria where it matters most, in the lower intestine, where immune function is closely tied to microbial balance.
These fast-fermenting fibers don’t effectively support beneficial populations or promote the gut conditions needed to outcompete pathogens and enhance immunity.
What Makes Actifibe Different
Actifibe is structurally unique. Under X-ray crystallography, it resembles a dandelion seed head, an arrangement that resists quick breakdown and allows for slow, targeted fermentation along the entire gut. Only beneficial microbes like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria possess the enzymes needed to access this energy source, giving them a competitive advantage over pathogens.
Molecular structure
Actifibe’s molecular structure has the appearance of a dandelion seed. The unique structure can only be slowly fermented by beneficial microbes with specific enzymes.
Molecular structure of a typical prebiotic, FOS, which has a long structure and is easily and rapidly broken down by enzymes in the gut.
Here’s what that means for your animals
- Feeds the right beneficial microbes: Actifibe is the preferred food source for beneficial bacteria, which helps establish competitive exclusion.
- Supports full-length fermentation: Slow fermentation allows beneficial bacteria to grow throughout the gut, not just the upper GI.
- Enhanced immunity: A stronger population of good bacteria helps stimulate immune tissues in the gut and improves the animal’s natural defenses.
How Actifibe Prebiotic Works
Actifibe doesn’t just shift the microbiome, it reshapes the gut environment to protect the animal and power performance. Actifibe is the only prebiotic shown to impact the volatile fatty acid profile and immune markers in this way, and it’s exclusive to Ralco.
Competitive Exclusion
Increase Butyrate Production
Immune Activation
Beneficial microbes colonize the gut lining, creating a physical barrier that helps block pathogens from attaching and multiplying.
As Actifibe is fermented, it produces key VFAs like butyrate, propionate and acetate. Butyrate feeds gut lining cells, supports tight junctions and lowers pH to help prevent ‘leaky gut’ and make the environment less favorable to pathogens.1
- Woof JM, Kerr MA. The function of immunoglobulin A in immunity. J Pathol. 2006 Jan;208(2):270-82. doi: 10.1002/path.1877. PMID: 16362985.
Butyrate also signals gut-associated immune tissues (GALT), increasing the production of IgA (antibodies), neutrophils and natural killer cells which help during times of stress.1
- Woof JM, Kerr MA. The function of immunoglobulin A in immunity. J Pathol. 2006 Jan;208(2):270-82. doi: 10.1002/path.1877. PMID: 16362985.
Research-Proven Performance
Actifibe has been extensively studied, including university-led research from Purdue University. Data shows a significant increase in beneficial bacteria and corresponding reduction in Clostridia and other pathogens.
Results showed:
- More beneficial bacteria in the gut like Lactobacillus
- Fewer harmful organisms including Clostridia
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What This Means for Your Operation
Ready to Improve Gut Health and Efficiency? Whether you’re dealing with performance dips, stress-related disease or just looking for a more efficient way to support immunity from the inside out, Actifibe can help. A Ralco representative will connect with you to talk through your goals and recommend the right Actifibe solution for your animals.
FAQs About Actifibe Prebiotic
What is a prebiotic, and how is it different from a probiotic?
A prebiotic is a type of fiber that feeds beneficial microbes already present in the gut, helping them grow and outcompete harmful bacteria. A probiotic is a live microbe added to the gut to increase beneficial populations. Actifibe is a prebiotic, it doesn’t add bacteria, it feeds the right ones already there.
What makes Actifibe different from other prebiotics like FOS?
Most prebiotics break down too early in the gut and are used by both good and bad microbes. Actifibe’s unique structure slows fermentation, making it available to beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus throughout the entire digestive tract, especially the lower gut. That gives it a longer-lasting, more targeted effect.
How does Actifibe support the immune system?
Actifibe increases butyrate production, which fuels gut lining cells, tightens junctions to prevent leaky gut, and activates gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). This boosts IgA (antibodies), neutrophils and natural killer cells (first-line immune defenses) that help animals fight off stress.
What species is Actifibe used in?
Actifibe is used in poultry, swine, ruminants, equine, organic production and aquaculture. Its slow fermentation profile and immune-modulating benefits are effective across species, especially in production systems where gut health is a performance driver.
Is Actifibe safe for all life stages?
Yes. Actifibe is safe and effective for animals at all life stages from young, developing animals to mature production animals because it works naturally with the animal’s own microbiota in the gut.
Can Actifibe be used with probiotics or antibiotics?
Yes. Actifibe complements probiotics by feeding them directly and promoting their growth. It also supports gut health during or after antibiotic use, helping to reestablish a healthy microbial balance.
How is Actifibe included in feed or water?
Actifibe is included as part of formulated feed and water additives. Your Ralco representative can recommend the best product for your species, production phase and goals.
Is Actifibe research-validated?
Yes. Multiple trials, including studies at Purdue University, have confirmed Actifibe’s impact on gut bacteria, VFA production and immune response. It’s the only prebiotic shown to increase butyrate while selectively promoting beneficial bacteria in livestock.
