Supporting Cattle Welfare During Long-Distance Transport: The benefits of ALKOSEL and LEVUCELL SC Feed Supplements

Understanding the Impact of Long-Distance Transport on Cattle Welfare and Growth Rates 

Transporting cattle over long distances is a complex and demanding task that often results in significant stress for the animals. The journey itself, which can span hundreds or even thousands of kilometers, exposes cattle to a variety of stressors, including prolonged confinement, fluctuating temperatures, and limited access to feed and water. This stress is particularly pronounced in younger animals, as they are more susceptible to the adverse effects of transportation. 

These conditions can lead to increased morbidity and mortality rates (Ashenafi et al. 2018, Rumor et al., 2025), as well as immune depression and rumen disruption.  

The physiological stress experienced by the animals can manifest in various ways, such as elevated cortisol levels, reduced feed intake, and altered rumen fermentation patterns. 

The cumulative effect of these stressors ultimately impacts growth rates and profitability for fattening facilities. Indeed, reduced growth rates mean longer fattening periods and higher feed costs, while increased morbidity and mortality rates can lead to substantial financial losses. Additionally, the welfare of the animals is a critical concern, as prolonged stress can compromise their overall comfort and well-being. 

Effective Supplementation for Long-Distance Transported Cattle: ALKOSEL and LEVUCELL SC Trial Results

Considering these challenges, a recent study explored the potential benefits of a supplementation strategy involving the selenium-enriched yeast (ALKOSEL) and the rumen-specific live yeast (LEVUCELL SC) for young bulls transported from France to Italy, covering 950 km over 12 hours of transportation. 

The supplementation was made through slow-release nutritional boluses (ALKOSEL + LEVUCELL SC) prior to transportation, with reticulorumen boluses used to monitor pH levels and temperature in the rumen. LEVUCELL SC was additionally fed from Day 1 after arrival through a premix. 

The results were promising, indicating the animals experienced lower-than-expected metabolic stress upon arrival. Cortisol levels remained low, and the bulls maintained their appetite despite the rigors of transport. This suggests the supplementation of these nutritional solutions played a crucial role in mitigating the adverse effects typically associated with long-distance travel. 

Achieving Optimal Selenium Levels in Cattle with ALKOSEL 

ALKOSEL, an organic form of selenium, is renowned for its high bioavailability, which translates into optimal selenium retention in tissues and antioxidant properties. Within just a few days, supplementation with ALKOSEL using a specific delivery method achieves an average blood selenium level of 109 µg/l, which is 36% above the threshold of 80 µg/l. This threshold of 80 µg/l is considered the minimum level necessary to support essential biological functions, including antioxidant defense and immune response. In contrast, non-supplemented animals would require 30 days to reach an adequate selenium status (Figure 1). ALKOSEL supplementation ensures optimal selenium levels upon arrival, a critical time when animals are most vulnerable to oxidative stress-related issues. 

Figure 1: Blood Selenium Levels Over a 30-Day Period

Reducing Rumen pH Amplitude with LEVUCELL SC

Simultaneously, the LEVUCELL SC supplementation led to a significant reduction in the amplitude of reticulorumen pH fluctuations (Figure 2), and an improvement in rumination time, which is a visible sign of welfare and good digestive comfort. LEVUCELL SC, a rumen-specific live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-1077), was selected from thousands of yeast strains for its capacity to improve rumen pH and optimize feed efficiency.

Figure 2: Daily Reticulorumen pH Fluctuation Over a 24h Period (D7 after arrival)

Animal Welfare and Performance with ALKOSEL and LEVUCELL SC: A Nutritional Solution for Transportation Challenges

The improved antioxidant status and rumen comfort observed in this study support the maintenance of animal welfare and eating behavior during transportation. Demonstrating that the association of those two nutritional solutions can help animals to be more resilient to such stress. By addressing the physiological challenges associated with long-distance transport, the combined supplementation of ALKOSEL and LEVUCELL SC offers a practical solution for cattle producers. This study highlights the importance of targeted nutritional interventions for livestock during challenging conditions.