Effects of Live Yeast Culture (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on Milk Production and Blood Lipid Levels of Jersey Cows in Early Lactation

Abstract

Effects of live yeast culture (Saccharomyces cerevisiae 1026) as a feed additive, on milk production and blood lipids contents of 10 Jersey cows in early lactation were determined in 21 days. Twenty Jersey cows, which have had their second delivery were allocated equally to one or the other treatments: control vs experimental. From 45-66th days in milk, 10 g day(-1) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (1 x 10(8) cfu g(-1)) dissolved in 200 mL of water were administrated to cows. Daily milk yields were recorded individually and blood samples were obtained weekly for each experimental cow. The diet supplemented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Yea-Sacc 1026/Alltech) implied an extension at the peak lactation period and a statistically significant increase of serum cholesterol and LDL (p < 0.05) contents of early lactation Jersey cows.