Use Levucell SC to help dairy cows cope with ration changes this winter  

Dairy farmers are being advised to use the rumen-specific live yeast Levucell SC to help cows cope with ration changes this winter.

Csaba Adamik, regional business manager for Scotland at Lallemand Animal Nutrition, says that forage shortages on many farms will result in more ration changes than normal this winter, leading to an increased risk of rumen instability and the potential for lost milk production. 

“It’s been a very mixed year for forage quality and quantity across the UK,” says Mr Adamik. 

“While areas such as Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have generally fared well, prolonged drought conditions in other regions have left farmers facing tight stocks going into autumn and winter.” 

Why a forage budget is essential for dairy farmers  

Dairy farmers are advised to prioritise assessing forage quality and quantity so that they have enough time to secure additional feed. 

“If you leave it too late, it can be difficult – especially in areas where there are forage shortages – because you’ll be competing with other farmers in the area for any excess forage,” adds Mr Adamik. 

Cost-effective forage options to supplement winter feed stocks 

Early in the autumn, purchasing a standing crop can be a more cost-effective option than waiting to buy the forage once it has been ensiled. 

Thereafter, Mr Adamik says other options available include:  

“You can also feed extra concentrates, but there’s a limitation on how much, so you are better off trying to close that gap with forage-type products or replacers,” adds Mr Adamik. 

How Levucell SC optimises rumen function and improves feed efficiency 

To help cows cope with changing rations and to maximise the value of available forage, Mr Adamik recommends feeding the rumen-specific live yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-1077 – known commercially as Levucell SC. 

“We’re likely to see more ration changes than normal this year, with cows having access to certain feeds for only a short period of time before moving on to something else,” says Mr Adamik. 

“Levucell SC will provide the rumen with more stability and help to even out these challenging periods in ration quality by optimising rumen function and increasing ration digestibility.  

“This will ensure the best possible feed efficiency and return on investment for any bought-in feeds.” 

He says research has shown that, depending on the acid load level of the diet, grass silage can have its NDF digestibility in the rumen increased by 5-9% when the yeast is fed, resulting in increased feed efficiency and milk yields.