ARTICLE 72 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE August 2024 trol group (Figure 2), which indicated a reduction in severe acidosis. There was also a numerical reduction in ulcers and hyper-keratinized rumen papillae. Overall, the rumen observations showed fewer mid or severe rumen scores in the lambs fed LEVUCELL SC compared to those that weren’t (Figure 2). CONCLUSION Feedlot lambs face environmental and dietary stresses that can compromise rumen wall integrity and papillae length through an increased risk of rumen acidosis. As a result, lamb health and growth rates can be negatively impacted, resulting in poorer financial performance. By adding a rumen specific live yeast to stabilize rumen pH, lambs experience less rumen damage associated with acidosis. This in turn has a positive impact on lamb performance through better average daily weight gain and improved feed conversion rates. Better absorption of food nutrients through the rumen also results in a higher return on investment in purchased feed, meaning a better financial margin per lamb. Using LEVUCELL SC in feedlot lamb diets was shown in this trial to positively impact lamb health and growth leading to greater profitability and performance. References: 1. Aschenbach J.R., Penner G.B., Stumpff F., Gabel G. Ruminant Nutrition Symposium: Role of fermentation acid absorption in the regulation of ruminal pH. J. Anim. Sci. 2011; 89:1092–1107 2. Bergman, E.N. 1990. Energy contributions of volatile fatty acids from the gastrointestinal tract in various species. Physiol. Rev. 70:567-590. 3. Penner G.B. (2014) Mechanisms of volatile fatty acid absorption and metabolism and maintenance of a stable rumen environment. IFAS Animal Sciences About Caitlyn de Vos Caitlyn de Vos has over five years of experience in the animal feed industry, specialising in feed additives. As the Ruminant Development Manager at Vitam International, she oversees technical support for ruminant solutions in the Sub-Saharan African market. de Vos plays a key role in marketing, technical, and R&D projects. She holds a master’s degree in animal nutrition and is passionate about ruminant nutrition, with a particular focus on digestive efficiency, mycotoxin management, and the role of feed additives to optimise the production of nutritious and hygienic animal protein. Vitam International is a leading provider of feed additives and services in Sub-Saharan Africa. Lallemand Animal Nutrition and Vitam International have established a joint venture to bring Lallemand Animal Nutrition solutions to promote the South-African market. Hyperkeratosis Rumenitis Ulcer Rumen Score Mid and Severe (Margin et al., 2021) Control 4.10% 2% 2% 9.20% LEVUCELL SC 2% 3% 0% 3%* Star scar Rumenitis Ulcer Figure 2. Rumen scoring results
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