Abstract

Recent research has shown that supplemention of beef cattle diets with small quantities (10-20 g/d) of yeast culture can lead to increased liveweight gain and improved feed conversion efficiency (Hughes 1988, Edwards 1991). Supplementation of dairy cow diets has led to reduced weight loss in early lactation, increased milk yield and an improved milk composition (Williams et al 1989). Improved animal performance has usually been associated with increased dry matter intake. The precise mode of action of yeast culture in ruminants is, as yet, unknown. There is evidence that yeast culture increases cellulolytic (Harrison et al 1988) and total rumen bacterial numbers (Edwards 1991). This may lead to increased rates of fibre digestion and increased microbial protein production. A number of in sacco studies have shown increased degradation of substrates at rumen incubation times of 24 hours or less (Williams 1989, Chademana and Offer 1990).

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.