July 13, 2007

 

ADSA reveals new studies on Lallemand's rumen specific yeast Levucell SC
 

Press release
 

 

Two new studies on Lallemand's rumen specific yeast (CNCM I-1077) were presented during the recent annual meeting of the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA). The studies revealed 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, both studies strengthened understanding of Levucell SC activities in the rumen, which translated into visible benefits for the farmer in terms of reduced acidosis risks, improved feed efficacy and rumen maturation, and consequently optimal animal health and performance, the company said.

 

Melissa Thrune, University of Minnesota, presented the first study on Jul 9 during a session on 'Ruminal Fermentation-Dairy'1.

 

The trial was performed on fistulated Holsteins in late lactation, with a basal diet consisting of 60 percent forage - 40 percent concentrate (DM), supplemented or not with Levucell SC (cross over study).

 

Results showed that yeast metabolism in the rumen optimises 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.

 

"I was happy with the trial and to see a positive effect from Levucell SC supplementation. This product can be very beneficial to the dairy industry by decreasing incidence of rumen acidosis and potentially increasing feed utilisation," commented Thrune.

 

The second research work was conducted at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (Spain), under the supervision of Dr Sergio Calsamiglia2. This in vitro study examined 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.