Use of yeast in small ruminants, sheep and goats

In ruminants, live yeast has positive effects: it increases cellulolytic bacteria growth (improves ruminal degradation of dry matter), reduces acidosis incidence by keeping ruminal pH stable and improves the use of feed (starch and cellulose). This improves growing conditions for lambs, increasing nutrient availability in milk. It also improves nitrogen fixation as bacterial protein and essential amino acids by stimulating microbial synthesis. In a trial carried out in the experimental facilities of Leuven Catholic University (Belgium), the effect of Levadura V Sc 47 on body weight was tested in ewes and their lambs. The trial included measurements before and after birth. It lasted 65 days. There were two groups, control and experimental (with yeast). Ewes' weight at different periods, body weight loss during lactation and growth of lambs were measured. Abortion percentage was 10% for the control group and 5% for the group given yeast (consequence of a listeriosis infection). During gestation, sheep given yeast gained 2 kg while ewes from control group lost weight. However, during lactation, the sheep given yeast lost more weight than the animals from the control group, because their lambs showed a higher birth weight and better survival rate.