The effect of "Yea-Sacc" (culture of S. Cerevisiae) on milk production of dairy cows

• Published in: Deltion tes Hellenikes Kteniatrikes Hetaireias. Periodos B Vol. 43; no. 1
• Main Authors: Karalazos, A, Alifakiotis, Th. (Aristotelion Univ., Thessaloniki (Greece). School of Agriculture. Dept. of Animal Production), Florou-Paneri, P, Vassilopoulos, V. (Aristotelion Univ., Thessaloniki (Greece). School of Veterinary Medicine. Dept. of Animal Production)
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Greek
• Published: 01.01.1992
• Subjects: COMPLEMENT ALIMENTAIRE; GRECE; GRECIA; LEVADURA; LEVURE; PRODUCCION ANIMAL; PRODUCTION ANIMALE; RUMEN; SUPLEMENTOS; VACAS LECHERAS; VACHE LAITIERE
• ISSN: 0257-2354

The microbial activities in the rumen, frequently, do not provide optimal nutrient patterns for the host animal. It is possible, however, to modify microbial activities in order to alter the availability of nutrients and to improve animal production. Recent studies suggest that yeast culture supplements can influence the activities of bacteria and give marked responses in terms of milk yield and protein and fat content. It seems that yeast supplementation increases the dry matter intake, the relative concentrations of acetate produced in rumen and the metabolisable energy content of the diet through a reduction in methane production. In the farm of the Aristotelion University of Thessaloniki an experiment was conducted with thirty six Holstein dairy cows. These cows were divided in couples according to their body weight and their previous milk production in such a way to form two equal groups (A and B). Cows of group A were the controls, while those of group B, from 5th week after calving to the end of 9th month of the lactation period (8 months experimental period), were received daily, with their diet, 10 g per head of "Yea-Sacc". The addition of "Yea-Sacc" in the diet of the cows resulted to an increase of total milk production, as well as milk fat, lactose and solids nonfat (SNF) content. Also a slight decrease of milk body cells was observed in cows receiving "Yea-Sacc". Finally, a decrease in milk protein content of cows receiving "Yea-Sacc" was observed during the period between 2nd and 6th month of lactation compared to those without "Yea-Sacc" in their diet which, however, was increased in the following 3 months (7th, 8th and 9th) of the lactation period.