The Center for Veterinary Medicine of the FDA has agreed to allow an important functionality claim for live yeast applied in ruminant feeding based on a research dossier of more than 39 published trials submitted by Lallemand Animal Nutrition. The claim allowed is, “to aid in maintaining cellulolytic bacteria population in the rumen of animals fed greater than 50% concentrate.”

This claim has been earned following the submission of an extensive research dossier including innovative data from Levucell^® SC live rumen specific yeast and its effect on fiber degrading bacteria.

Live yeast is increasingly used in animal nutrition. One major reason in ruminant feeding has been to elevate and stabilize rumen pH and minimize the risk of acidosis. Maintaining an effective population of cellulolytic bacteria is always a concern and is related to this claim for live yeast. Maintaining cellulolytic bacteria numbers is essential: they are able to digest fiber from the forages fed; they are important in the production of volatile fatty acids, particularly those responsible for the production of milk fat; and they help maintain a balanced and healthy rumen environment.

The fiber degradation benefits have a tangible benefit for producers: a healthier rumen environment, through improved cellulolytic bacteria numbers, can improve profitability to the dairy and beef producer.

It is LIVE yeast which positively affects cellulolytic bacteria populations in the rumen. Levucell^® SC, a live rumen specific yeast, has been the object of extensive screening and numerous publications (>48). Live yeast have respiratory activity and are the only form of yeast able to actively reduce oxygen levels in the rumen (oxygen is toxic for cellulolytic bacteria); live yeast are also able to reduce the risk of acidosis by competing for specific sugars in the rumen. Having a live cell yeast is essential for these effects. Research on the rumen microbial system as well as on production performance demonstrates benefits which are not limited to acidosis: Levucell^® SC also enhances fibrolytic population, fiber degradation, and feed value of diets containing variable amounts of fiber. Levucell^® SC also has been shown to stimulate Megasphaera elsdenii which is the major lactic acid consumer in the rumen and therefore helps to prevent acidosis.

Following approval of this exciting claim Lallemand will continue to research the relationship between live yeast and fiber digestibility. Two new trials were completed last year.