The benefits of yeast hydrolysate for feeding cattle

      In modern cattle farming, improving animal health and productivity while reducing reliance on antibiotics is a key focus. Yeast hydrolysate, a natural and efficient feed additive, offers a compelling solution. This article explores its composition, mechanisms, benefits, and recommended usage in cattle production.

1. What is Yeast Hydrolysate?

      Yeast hydrolysate is produced from Saccharomyces cerevisiae through enzymatic hydrolysis or autolysis, followed by drying. This process releases intracellular nutrients, making it rich in:

Amino acids and small peptides: Highly digestible and beneficial for protein synthesis.

Nucleotides: Support immune function and cellular repair/regeneration.

B vitamins and glutathione: Involved in metabolism and antioxidant defense.

Polysaccharides (e.g., MOS and β-glucans): Contribute to gut health and immune modulation.

2. Key Benefits of Yeast Hydrolysate for Cattle

2.1 Improved Growth Performance

      Research in Holstein steers showed that adding 100 g/(head·day) of yeast hydrolysate to the basal diet significantly increased average daily gain and tended to reduce the feed-to-gain ratio. This indicates more efficient feed conversion into body weight, enhancing economic returns.

2.2 Enhanced Gut Health

Modulates Gut Microbiota: Yeast hydrolysate can increase the abundance of beneficial gut bacteria (such as Faecalibacterium) and inhibit harmful microbes, maintaining a healthy microbial balance.

Improves Fecal and Hair Coat Condition: Supplementing yeast hydrolysate in suckling calves improved their mental status, hair coat, and fecal scores, reflecting better gut health.

2.3 Boosted Immune Function and Antioxidant Capacity

Enhanced Immunity: Nucleotides and β-glucans in yeast hydrolysate contribute to strengthening immune defenses.

Increased Antioxidant Capacity: Studies show that yeast hydrolysate supplementation significantly increased serum total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase activity, while decreasing malondialdehyde (an oxidative stress marker) levels. This helps cattle combat stress and maintain health.

2.4 Increased Nutrient Digestibility

      Yeast hydrolysate significantly improved the apparent digestibility of crude protein and calcium. This means cattle can better absorb and utilize these crucial nutrients from their feed.

2.5 Improved Dairy Cow Performance

      In dairy cows, yeast hydrolysate helps improve milk production performance and reduce somatic cell counts in raw milk, which is vital for milk quality and mastitis control.

3. Recommended Dosage of Yeast Hydrolysate

Based on scientific trials and practical applications, the following dosages are suggested:

Suckling Calves: 5 g/(head·day) to support healthy growth.

Holstein Steers: 50-100 g/(head·day), with 100 g/(head·day) showing optimal results for weight gain and nutrient digestibility.

Dairy Cows: Dosage should be determined based on product guidelines and professional advice to achieve desired improvements in milk performance and quality.

Conclusion

      Yeast hydrolysate is a green and safe feed additive that offers multiple benefits for cattle farming, including improved growth performance, enhanced gut health, stronger immunity, antioxidant capacity, and better nutrient utilization. In the era of antibiotic reduction, the rational use of yeast hydrolysate represents a smart strategy for enhancing cattle productivity and economic returns.