Why does the time of launch also determine success or failure?

Many growers ask: "When should I start the BergerPearls No.1 start?"
My counter-question: Why wait when the decisive advantage is an early start?

BergerPearls No.1 is not just a feed supplement. It is a scientifically based, functional nutritional concept that combines energy, intestinal health, immune modulation and antimicrobial stability. These mechanisms of action only develop their full potential if pigeons are familiarised with the pearls early and regularly.

The experience gained from over 40 years of breeding and product development and the current scientific analysis and data on BergerPearls No1 clearly show that:

Whoever starts in winter wins in spring.
If you start late, you give away performance and stability.

This blog article shows you why the right start time is a hidden performance factor in racing pigeon racing and how you can BergerPearls No.1 optimally.

Why BergerPearls No.1 redefines the feeding of modern racing pigeons

BergerPearls No.1 combine several functions that were previously only available via many individual products. Each pearl contains:

• an energy-rich peanut kernel base
• Probiotics and prebiotics
• Digestive enzymes
• Beta-glucans and colostrum
• MCT fatty acids
• Toxin binders such as bentonite and zeolite
• essential vitamins and chelated trace elements
• Herbal active ingredients such as carvacrol (oregano extract)

These components are scientifically documented, safe and effective to use.

The gentle pelletising process protects particularly heat-sensitive substances such as probiotics or plant extracts and ensures that the pearls remain fully active, which is a key advantage over conventional pellets, extrudates and other preparations.

Why winter is the ideal time to start

The best moment, BergerPearls No.1 into your stroke is now in the resting phase.
Why?

1. Hunger intensifies learning processes
   Pigeons are most likely to accept new feed when temperatures are low and the metabolism "rewards food".
2. No travelling load
   Without training and competition flights, the animals are calmer, more receptive and less stressed. The acceptance of new feed components is significantly higher.
3. The resting phase creates ideal conditions
   In winter, there is much more calmness in the barn and no changing conditions. This relaxed basic situation makes it easier to introduce new feed components in a calm and controlled manner.
4. Microbiome and immune system benefit from early start
   Probiotics, beta-glucans, colostrum and MCT fatty acids require Days to weeksto fully develop their effect. Late starters do not have this advantage.
5. The transition to breeding and training becomes easier
   A stable gut means:
   - fewer fluctuations in shape
   - Faster regeneration
   - lower infection pressure
   - calm moulting and breeding

Short: Those who start early start the pigeon year with a head start.

The introduction strategy: How to feed BergerPearls No.1 correctly right from the start

Stage 1: Separate pre-feeding (2-3 days)

This phase determines acceptance and long-term success.

Procedure:

• in the morning before a small amount of beads into the feed chute from the grain mixture
• all pigeons eat reliably due to the hunger instinct

Why separate?
Pigeons must use the pearls as Independent, attractive component get to know.
Only when each pigeon picks up the beads safely does step 2 take place.

This is a key value from practical experience and is also biologically understandable, as pigeons learn to recognise and appreciate new food primarily through positive experiences.

Stage 2: Mixed feeding (5 % during the rest period)

As soon as the entire stock safely eats the pearls:

• Beads in a quantity of 5 % Mix with the grain feed
• daily or at least 5-6 days per week
• No additional mixing with oils etc. necessary

Scientific background:
The analysis clearly shows that continuous small amounts of probiotics, MCTs and beta-glucans are physiologically much more effective than high single doses. The reason is simple: probiotics require daily repeated stimuli in order to form stable colonies and protect the mucous membranes in the long term. MCT fatty acids only develop their selective antimicrobial effect optimally if they are regularly available in the intestinal lumen and thus build up constant pressure on pathogenic germs. Beta-glucans, on the other hand, modulate the immune system not through peak loads, but through continuous activation of the receptors of macrophages and dendritic cells. Small daily amounts therefore ensure a calm, resilient immune response, improved mucous membrane protection and a stable intestinal barrier and thus precisely the basis that pigeons need for regeneration, training stress and defence against infection.

Stage 3: Increase for breeding preparation (10 % for 7-10 days)

One week before mating, the 10 % increased.

Reason:

• Metabolism changes
• Hormonal activity increases
• Egg formation, mucous membranes and brood load require micronutrient reserves

Scientific background:

The week before mating is a phase of profound physiological changes. The pigeon's organism prepares for hormonal activation, pair bonding, nest building and subsequent egg formation. These processes are highly metabolically active and generate a significantly increased need for energy, micronutrients and functional protective factors.

The 7-10 day increase to 10 % BergerPearls No.1 before mating covers the increasing physiological requirements in this sensitive conversion phase. Shortly before breeding, metabolism and hormone activity increase; fat, protein and micronutrients are increasingly required to support the gonads, mucous membranes and subsequent egg formation. The energy-rich peanut base provides quick energy and high-quality amino acids, while vitamins and chelated trace elements ensure hormonal regulation, shell quality and fertilisation rates.

At the same time, the immune system must be stabilised, as brooding, nest contact and hormonal changes increase the pressure of infection. Pro- and prebiotics, MCT fatty acids, beta-glucans and colostrum strengthen the intestines as the headquarters of the immune defence, improve mucous membrane protection and reduce pathogenic germs. This creates a resistant, microbiologically stable foundation that supports the entire breeding phase.

An additional advantage: a well cared for parent pigeon forms more immunoglobulins in the crop milk, a decisive starting advantage for young pigeons in terms of vitality, growth and disease resistance.

Why an early start is biologically superior

1. probiotics need colonisation

The tribes Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus faecium take days to weeks to establish themselves in the intestine and develop:

• Competitive displacement of pathogenic germs
• pH stabilisation
• Protection of the mucous membranes

Scientific evaluation clearly shows that the optimum effect of probiotic bacteria is only achieved with continuous daily intake.

2. beta-glucans activate the immune system via repetitive stimuli and act according to the "training effect"

The receptors of macrophages need to be "trained". Beta-glucans activate macrophages via Dectin receptors. The immunological "awakening" requires Regular stimuli and no impact gift.

A late start at travelling time means that the immune system is not yet "awake".

3. MCT fatty acids build up a selective antimicrobial pressure

The MCT effect is created by

• Membrane-dissolving activity against pathogenic germs
• Protection of the desired microbial flora and lactobacilli
• act along the entire intestine

This selective germ control benefits from Continuous small dosing and daily administration creates a Antimicrobial basic environmentwhich prevents infections.

4. toxin binders require time and create a "clean gut" over weeks

Bentonite, zeolite and biochar:

• bind mycotoxins
• reduce endotoxins
• relieve the liver and digestive tract

The positive effect is created over weeks by Constant binding capacityThis is also an argument in favour of early feeding and not just for a few days.

Why an early start brings real benefits

If you introduce BergerPearls No.1 during the quiet winter phase, you are utilising a biologically ideal time window. The pigeons are relaxed, receptive and can learn new feed components without stress. This ensures a safe, even intake and lays the foundation for stable levels of active ingredients in the gut.

Early, regular feeding strengthens the microbiome and activates the immune system even before training stimuli, travelling pressure or breeding stress set in. Probiotics, MCT fatty acids and beta-glucans have a cumulative effect, which is precisely why they are most effective when they are already established before the stress begins.

A well-prepared gut ensures that the pigeons remain calmer, regenerate better and are more resistant during training and races.

In short:

Starting early gives you a head start.
Starting late means catching up on form.