Don’t waste ration space on an ingredient carrier
Decades of research and on-farm supplementation has proven the positive influence yeast culture can have on rumen microflora. This is generally seen as an increase in ruminal microbial efficiency, conversion of feed nutrients into microbial protein, and increase in the number of lactic acid-utilizing bacteria. Other factors (growth factors and enzymes) may have stimulatory effects on the rumen microbes or digestibility of nutrients. The result is a more stable rumen, with higher pH and more nutrients available for the cow to meet her requirements for health and production.
Research conducted on a 4,000-cow dairy in Washington State showed the benefits of yeast culture on milk production and feed efficiency that were improved when the chosen product was produced without an added carrier. The benefit was magnified when calculating income over feed cost (IOFC). The research used Benelac® YC, a 100% Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast culture that was grown, harvested and dried directly, without the addition of any carrier. The control cows were fed a leading commercially available yeast culture that included a carrier.
Treatment
The study used multiparous cows that were added alternately to one of two high groups as they freshened. The groups received the same diet, with the exception that Group 1 received 14 g/hd/day of the carrier yeast culture product as a positive control while Group 2 received 7 g/hd/day of Benelac YC. Benelac YC was included at a lower feeding rate due to its higher concentration.
The treatments were blended into the TMR and delivered twice per day. Only cows that completed 14 weeks on treatment were included in the analysis. There were 110 cows in each treatment group that completed the study.
Results
The cows fed Benelac YC produced 1.54 pounds more milk, 2.38 pounds more energy-corrected milk and 2.41 pounds more fat-corrected milk than the cows fed the yeast culture with carrier. (Figure 1)
Using standardized milk and component prices across the trial period, income over feed cost (IOFC) was calculated for both treatments. With the higher milk and fat production for the cows fed Benelac YC and the lower cost of inclusion, the research showed a lower feed cost per hundredweight of milk, resulting in a $0.35 increase in IOFC. (Figure 2)
Conclusions
The benefits of yeast culture in dairy diets are well-known and accepted. Now research shows that concentrated yeast culture products produced without the added carrier can improve overall efficiency and profitability at the farm level.
To learn more about Benelac YC and Natural Biologics, visit NaturalBiologics.com.
About Natural Biologics
Natural Biologics was founded in 2015 to provide innovative, natural solutions for agriculture producers to manage risk and improve the health and productivity of animals and crops across the world. Focusing on our core values of integrity, relationships and innovation, Natural Biologics builds lasting partnerships with customers, suppliers and employees. With Natural Biologics as part of the team, our customers will be better able to provide a growing global population with safe, sustainable and healthy food. Learn more about Natural Biologics’ full line of animal health solutions by visiting www.NaturalBiologics.com.
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