International University teams demonstrate the potential of the rumen specific yeast in reducing acidosis risks and optimizing nitrogen metabolism

San Antonio (Texas, USA), ADSA Annual meeting– During the Annual Meeting of the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA), that closed its doors yesterday, two exciting new studies on Lallemand’s rumen specific yeast (CNCM I-1077) were presented. These works demonstrate that Levucell® SC improves rumen conditions and function -rumen pH and nitrogen metabolism-, in different environments. In line with Lallemand’s strategy to continuously document its products with quality research partnerships, those two new studies strengthen our understanding of Levucell SC activities in the rumen, translated into visible benefits for the farmer: reduced acidosis risks, improved feed efficacy and rumen maturation, for optimal health and performance.

The first study was presented by Ms Melissa Thrune, from the University of Minnesota, on Monday 9th July, during a session on Ruminal Fermentation-Dairy . The trial, performed on fistulated Holstein in late lactation, with a basal diet consisting of 60% forage – 40% concentrate (DM), supplemented or not with Levucell SC (cross over study), showed that the yeast metabolism in the rumen optimizes fermentation conditions, protecting the cows from rumen acidosis. Rumen pH, which was monitored continuously, remained significantly higher with the supplement than in the control cows: average, minima and maxima values were higher, and the amount of time spent below the sub-acute acidosis threshold (pH= 5.6) was significantly shortened. Volatile fatty acids in the rumen were also decreased. Melissa Thrune commented: ” I was happy with the trial and to see a positive effect of Levucell SC supplementation. This product can be very beneficial to the dairy industry by decreasing incidence of rumen acidosis and potentially increasing feed utilization.”

The second research work was conducted at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Spain), under the supervision of Dr. Sergio Calsamiglia (2). This in vitro study was looking at the effect of Levucell SC on nitrogen metabolism and rumen pH with different types of starch, using dual flow continuous culture fermenters. It was concluded from the study that Levucell SC improved nitrogen metabolism (increase of microbial synthesis efficacy) and reduced the drop of pH following a rapidly degradable starch diet.

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(1)Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on ruminal pH and microbial fermentation in lactating dairy cows. M. Thrune, A. Bach, M. Ruiz-Moreno, and M.D. Stern. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 85, Suppl. 1/J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 90, Suppl. 1/Poult. Sci. Vol. 86, Suppl. 1, pp 172-173.
(2)Effects of live yeast and type of starch on pH fluctuation, nutrient digestion and microbial fermentation in a dual flow continuous culture system. D. Moya, S. Calsamiglia, A. Ferret, M.C. Fuentes and J.I. Fandiño. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 85, Suppl. 1/J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 90, Suppl. 1/Poult. Sci. Vol. 86, Suppl. 1, pp 337-338.

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