More Sustainable Operations: One Ton of Feed at a Time

Cleaner feed helps optimize the ruminant digestive system, helping producers improve performance

Cleaner feed isn’t just about quality—it’s about optimizing the digestive system to drive better performance and long-term sustainability. Today’s livestock producers have made incredible strides in converting every ton of feed into milk and meat more efficiently than ever before. This efficiency isn’t just a win for sustainability; it’s a direct path to greater profitability.

That’s why Lallemand developed the CleanFeed Approach—a comprehensive strategy designed to enhance feed efficiency, support gut health, and support long-term operational success. By focusing on silage management, in-feed solutions, and on-farm best practices, producers can take their sustainability efforts further—one ton of feed at a time.

Here’s how to build a more efficient, profitable, and sustainable operation:

Start with good, clean feed

Most operations feed some amount of silage. It’s a proven system for preserving the nutrients derived from forages. However, growing forage crops can expose plants to naturally occurring microbes like spoilage yeasts, bacteria, and molds, which can be damaging. Fortunately, using a research-proven forage inoculant can help outnumber these microbes, resulting in more consistent, higher-quality feed. Properly ensiled forage stays cool and smells better, preserving palatability because cattle actually want to eat it, helping sustain feed intake and production throughout the year. Ensuring the silage is clean and hygienic is a major factor in profitability.

Combined with good management, best-case ensiling and fermentation with little to no spoilage results in a 6-7% dry matter (DM) loss, while poor management can lead to losses of 20-30%, depending on factors like crop conditions, harvesting timeliness, packing, weather and covering. 

To maximize and retain silage quality from harvest to feedout, consider these best practices:

Power up the gut

Your operation is only as healthy as the gut health of your herd. While we can’t always control what happens in the silo, it is essential to best utilize the feed produced and encourage the animal’s natural defenses, via the immune system, to help combat common challenges that might occur.

Probiotics, classified as live microorganisms demonstrated to have an effect in the animal, are one way to improve the efficiency and productivity of your operation.  Certain research-backed strains of probiotics can help create favorable rumen conditions that maximize forage utilization and feed efficiency. Identified by researchers as  Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-1077,  this particular strain of probiotic yeast thrives in the ruminal environment and has been shown to improve fat-corrected milk (FCM) 3% and up to 7% during times of challenge^1,2  Probiotics designed to thrive in the lower gut, such as S. c. boulardii CNCM I-1079, can help support overall health and wellness, resulting in fewer pulls and lower veterinary costs.³

These powerful microbial solutions can significantly contribute to animal welfare as well. Probiotics can help support digestive comfort and promote ideal eating behavior, all while reducing animals’ exposure to Sub-Acute Ruminal Acidosis (SARA).^4,5,6 They can be added to support natural immunity and decrease morbidity.³ By supporting animal welfare and reducing the need for antibiotics, healthy herds support responsible farming practices while enhancing profitability, efficiency and sustainability.

Microbial solutions are easy to incorporate into your operation. No matter how you feed or supplement your herd, Lallemand offers formulations designed to survive all the way to the gut — helping your animals remain productive, profitable and feeling their best. A resilient operation starts with a healthy herd, ensuring the long-term success of your farm for generations to come.

Pulling it all together

At Lallemand, we understand that farms are interconnected complex systems, and identifying the best opportunities for improvement can be multi-faceted and even challenging. That’s where a strong relationship with an expert technical service team comes in and knows your operation and personnel. An experienced team can help narrow down the range of solutions to a handful of actionable tasks that can yield significant efficiency gains. Here’s how Lallemand can assists you:

We don’t just provide products; we’re invested in your operational success for generations to come. For more information on Lallemand’s CleanFeed Approach, visit cleanfeedapproach.com.

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¹De Ondarza, M. B., Sniffen, C. J., Dussert, L., Chevaux, E., Sullivan, J., & Walker, N. 2010. Case study: Multiple-Study analysis of the effect of live yeast on milk yield, milk component content and yield, and feed efficiency. Profl Anil Sci 26(6):661-666.

²Perdomo, M. C., Marsola, R. S., Favoreto, M. G., Adesogan, A., Staples, C. R., & Santos, J. E. P. 2020. Effects of feeding live yeast at 2 dosages on performance and feeding behavior of dairy cows under heat stress. Jof Dairy Sci 103(1): 325-339.

³Siverson AV, Blasi DA, Corrigan ME, Higgins JJ and Oleen BE. 2010.The effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii CNCM I-1079 on growth and health performance of receiving beef calves. Kansas State University Research Report.

⁴Nocek. J.E. 1997. Bovine acidosis: implications on Laminitis. J Dairy Sci 80: 1005-102.

⁵ Bach et al., IRTA Spain, 2007 Anim. Feed Sci. 146-153

⁶ DeVries T. J. and E. Cheyaux., University of Guelph, Canada, 2014. J. Dairy Sci. 97: 6499-6510