The Effects of Live Yeast, Glucan and Mannan on Performance, Rumen and Blood Parameters of Fattening Lambs

Abstract Text: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae NCYC R618, 4x10⁹ CFU/g), glucan and mannan containing feed additive (SYNERALL^TM (SYN), Global Nutritech Biotechnology LLC, Richmond, VA) on performance, and rumen and blood parameters of fattening ram lambs. Forty four-month old Kivircik ram lambs (29.58 ± 1.6 kg initial BW) were stratified and blocked by BW to 1 of 4 individually fed, isocaloric, isonitrogenous dietary treatments containing 0, 1, 2 or 4 kg SYN per ton of TMR on DM basis. Diets containing cracked barley, wheat and corn grains, sunflower meal, and premix were fed once daily for ad libitum consumption. Lambs were weighed on 21-d intervals, and the study continued 63 d. At the end of the study, rumen fluids and blood samples were collected. Dry matter intake and F:G ratio were similar among treatments (P>0.05). Weight gain during the study was statistically significant among treatments (P<0.001), and was highest in the 2 kg SYN per ton treatment. Daily weight gain was statistically significant among treatments (P<0.001), and was highest in the 2 kg SYN per ton treatment. Rumen pH was statistically significant among treatments (P<0.001), and was highest in the 2 kg SYN per ton treatment. Rumen ammonia N levels were statistically significant among treatments (P<0.001), and was lowest in the 2 kg SYN per ton treatment. Total VFA, acetic acid and propionic acid percentages were also the highest in the 2 kg SYN per ton treatment. Rumen lactic acid levels were statistically significant among treatments (P<0.001), and were lowest in the 2 and 4 kg SYN per ton treatments. Blood glucose levels were statistically significant among treatments (P<0.001), and was highest in the 2 kg SYN per ton treatment. In conclusion, the addition of 2 kg SYNERALL^TMper ton in fattening lamb diets increased weight gain and improved rumen and blood parameters.

Keywords: Synerall^TM, Yeast, Glucan, Mannan, Weight Gain, Rumen Parameters