Dairy producers have welcomed a tool to improve early life rumen development, as the live yeast supplement, Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-1077 (Levucell SC), secures authorisation in Europe until 2030.
“We’re all aware of how vital the first few months of life are to securing digestive development in calves, with potential long-term consequences being seen if this isn’t achieved,” explained Mark McFarland, feed additive product manager for Lallemand Animal Nutrition.
Live yeast supplementation is a fantastic way to ensure young stock have the best possible start and are able to reach their full growth potential, so we’re really pleased this authorisation has been secured.
The yeast supplement, which has gained EU authorisation for the use in all calves until 2030, is added to the diet via solid feed before weaning.
Due to patented micro-encapsulation technology, the live yeast is proven to survive the pelletisation feed manufacturing process, and is activated when it reaches the calf’s rumen.
Essential for young stock
Mark noted it has been well documented in numerous trials, that a developed digestive system is essential for young stock and helps to ensure optimal health and performance, which follows through as they join the main herd.
Starter feed intake can be an extremely limiting factor when optimising growth in calves, but trials have demonstrated the positive effect of supplementation on feed intake, with a 20% increase pre weaning and an 8% increase post-weaning.
“In the same trials, higher starter feed intake also improved growth performance with an average increase of 120g/day, which is the equivalent to 10%.”
He commented that the results demonstrated that this led to more uniformed calves as a group, and meant that target weaning weights were achieved, on average, one-and-a-half days earlier.
“Through extensive trials carried out by Lallemand Animal Nutrition, we’ve seen the positive impact Levucell SC has on well-being and rumen development, so we’re pleased to have it authorised as an option for farmers to incorporate into calf diets for years to come,” he concluded.
