Improving feed efficiency in ruminants with live yeasts

摘要

Rising feed costs, variable market prices, uncertain farm incomes, but an ever increasing demand for safe, high quality beef and dairy products, means that today's primary producers recognise the pressing need for improved feed efficiency. This article reviews the use of live yeasts to improve digestive welfare, fibre digestion and as a consequence overall feed efficiency.Optimisation of rumen function improves animal efficiency. This digestive compartment hosts a complex anaerobic microbiota responsible for degradation and fermentation of animals' dietary components. However, many factorscan impair rumen function. In this context, direct fed microbials (DFMs) such as live yeasts are an important tool to improve feed efficiency and performance while preventing health disorders. Yeasts receive a positive consumer acceptance as they are notinvolved in health disorders and do not have any detrimental impact on the environment. Recent analyses in dairy and beef cattle have shown significant benefits with Saccharomyces cereuisiae 1-1077 on yield and feed efficiency.