ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE November 2023 25 Second, the objective during this period is to support rumen microbiota and papillae development, which helps ensure a well-prepared rumen through the weaning transition. Probiotic yeasts, also called live yeast, have the ability to interact with rumen microorganisms and can enhance rumen function and microflora establishment. The rumen-specific live yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-1077 (LEVUCELL SC) is a particular yeast strain that has been selected from among thousands of different strains by INRA scientists for its ability to improve rumen function. In calves, various trials confirmed its benefits on rumen maturation, feeding behavior and growth performance. When fed S. cerevisiae CNCM I-1077, young ruminants have shown an accelerated rate of establishment of two major microbiota populations for fiber degradation: the cellulolytic bacteria and ciliate protozoa (Chaucheyras-Durand and Fonty, 2002). In addition, rumen wall papillae development is improved with longer papillae (P=0.06) (Figure 3) (Bittar and Ferreria, 2007). As a result, the rumen absorption surface is increased, which favors nutrient uptake and contributes to better performance. The results of this improved rumen development can be seen with an increase in starter intake when calves are fed the live yeast. Multiple trials conducted with various feeding systems consistently indicate the positive effect of S. cerevisiae CNCM I-1077 supplementation on starter feed intake (Figure 4) from pre-weaning to post-weaning when included during the weaning transition phase: +20% on average. CONCLUSION In calves, the first months of life are critical for future production. Nutrition management is key to Figure 4. Starter intake optimization thanks to LEVUCELL SC supplementation
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