ARTICLE 66 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE June 2024 portance of rumen development in young animals to stimulate a healthy weaning process and beyond. He addressed: “Goats and sheep are born as being functionally non-ruminants. In the first weeks after birth, both the rumen papillae and microbiota, as well as the small and large intestines need to undergo significant changes to resemble the anatomy of an adult animal (full ruminant). A healthy rumen and intestinal tract will better prepare the animals for the weaning moment.” The development of the rumen papillae and microbes can be positively influenced with feeding strategies. Apart from supplying good quality colostrum and milk, a good quality starter concentrate and access to good quality forage need to be available. On top of that, other nutritional tools can be used such as the addition of live yeast in the diet. Trials with lambs showed that rumen specific live yeast supplementation in the first weeks of life (on top of maternal milk and started feed) supports the anatomical development of the rumen reflected an in increased the production of VFA’s (including butyrate) in the rumen and led to longer rumen papillae. SMALL RUMINANTS AND SUSTAINABILITY Yáñez-Ruiz also gave an update on the sustainability component of small ruminant farming. He said: “Just like in dairy and beef farming, we have to make sure we work towards more sustainable farming practices, to reduce antibiotic use (and AMR), increase animal welfare and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The best way to dilute the emissions we create in ruminant production (mainly methane) is to increase the efficiency of milk production of the animals. We can also reduce methane emissions by improving the quality of the diet, and mainly the forage. If we can increase the digestibility of the feed, we can lower the methane. Again, feed additives (such as probiotics, yeast) can be helpful here as well, as they improve the digestion of feed and boost the health of the rumen function, along with more precision feeding (including the selection of unproductive animals.)” Also ensuring overall animal health (avoiding digestive disorders and heat stress for example) and longevity (diluting the emissions per animal as we are prolonging the number of lactations) are part of building a more sustainable small ruminant sector. Health, management, good nutrition, and breeding for resilient animals are key to be able to increase the longevity of animals. Integrated nutritional approach Every aspect in the life of small ruminants is crucial to success - in both milk and meat production. Lallemand Animal Nutrition is a global leader in the science of fermentation, and a primary producer of yeast and bacteria. The company’s mission is to harness microorganisms to improve performance and maintain animal health, optimize forage management, and the animal microbial environment. The company’s specific solutions help manage rumen function for optimal feed efficiency (e.g. LEVUCELL SC), as well as support antioxidant defense (e.g. ALKOSEL and MELOFEED) for optimal performance and animal welfare for ovine and caprine dairy or meat production. The integrated product offering also includes solutions to enhance silage quality, bedding quality, manure quality and to feed processing. For more information, please go to: https://www.lallemandanimalnutrition.com/en/ europe/species/small-ruminants/ About Marie-Valentine Glica Marie-Valentine Glica is an agronomist, and has been working for Lallemand Animal Nutrition for 2 years as global ruminant marketing manager. Glica is in charge of marketing and communication for the feed additives range (trial valorization, on-farm services and training tools development). She has previous experience in technico-marketing in healthcare for large and young ruminants.
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