Effect of Feeding Yeast Culture on Productive and Reproductive Performance of Dairy Cows

Abstract

A 105 day feed trial was conducted to evaluate  the effect of supplementation with yeast culture on body condition score, body weight changes, dry matter intake, milk production and its composition and reproductive performance in lactating crossbred cows. Twelve multiparous  Crossbred Jersy cows were divided in to two groups (n=6); Control group received ration composed of forages and concentrate (60:40 basis).  The experimental group received the same diet supplemented with 10g of yeast (Saccharomyces Cerevisiae) per cow per day. The study showed that supplementation with  yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae  tended (P < 0.06) to increase milk production, 4% fat corrected milk (FCM), energy corrected milk (ECM), solid corrected milk (SCM) and milk energy (ME). There was a significant increase of fat (P < 0.01) and protein (P < 0.05) content also. However,  dry matter intake (DMI), body weight and body condition score (BCS) were similar across the groups. Feed efficiency in terms of milk yield/DMI (kg/kg), ECM/DMI (kg/kg) and SCM/DMI (kg/kg) was similar among different treatments. Supplementation of yeast culture did not show any effect on  duration required for commencement of cyclicity and conception rate.  In conclusion, yeast seems to have spectacular effect on milk production and its fat and protein  composition  in lactating cows.