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LEVUCELL SC: The science proves it
LEVUCELL SC probiotic is a natural, strain-specific live yeast that has been scientifically-proven to stimulate rumen function and a stable rumen environment.
Speaking at the ‘Meeting the genetics of the modern dairy cow’ seminar, Technical Services Manager, Micheal Savli, says Levucell SC’s mode of action has been described in more than 120 scientific papers published throughout the world.
“Put simply, Levucell SC scavenges oxygen, thereby stimulating anaerobic conditions and a balanced rumen population and maintaining a stable rumen pH,” he says.
“Most rumen microbes, especially fibrolytic bacteria, are strictly anaerobic. Fibrolytic microbiota in particularly are very sensitive to low pH.
“In effect, Levucell SC improves rumen efficiency and fibre digestion, that leads to increased feed intake, feed efficiency and milk production.
“Even a one-unit increase in NDF digestibility equates to a 0.17 kg increase in DMI and a 0.25 kg increase on a 4% fat-corrected basis.1
A meta-analysis of 14 trials found Levucell SC increases milk production by 0.9 kg/day on a 3.5% fat-corrected basis. “This data support the use of Levucell SC in nutritional modelling,” Michael says.
“By factoring in the energy value of Levucell SC in rations, you can reduce feed costs without affecting performance.
The effect of live yeast depends on the composition of the ration and the composition of the individual ingredients (e.g. starch and NDF levels), production levels and stress (e.g. heat stress or transition).
Levucell SC will have a moderate impact on feed efficiency (+40 g of milk/kg DMI) and milk performance (+0.8 kg) in cows with low stress levels but a high impact on feed efficiency (+80 g of milk/kg DMI) and milk performance (+1.6 kg) in cows with high stress levels.
About the speaker:
Micheal Savli joined Lallemand Animal Nutrition in 2024 after spending four years with a Riverina-based feed supplements manufacturer. During this time, he provided sales and technical support for customers, staff and channel partners before being appointed technical manager and nutritionist. Michael holds a Bachelor of Rural Science degree from the University of New England and is a member of the Australian Association of Ruminant Nutrition by examination. In addition, Michael has completed the NSW Department of Primary Industries ProGraze, Dairy Australia Advanced Nutrition in Action and Feedworks Intensive Nutrition training programs.
Reference: 1. Oba, M. & Allen, M.S. (1999). Evaluation of the importance of the digestibility of neutral detergent fibre from forage: Effects on dry matter intake and milk yield of dairy cows. J Dairy Sc 82(3): 589-596.
Published Sep 4, 2025 | Updated Feb 12, 2026