Benefits of YANG on dairy calf microbiota and welfare

Reporting from Smart Calf Rearing Conference in Germany 

At the latest Smart Calf Rearing Conference in Kaiserslautern, Germany, our team shared a study about the benefits of the specific yeast fractions combination YANG in rearing dairy calves during the pre-weaning period. Overall, growth performance and the health status of the neonates were improved, leading to a significant reduction in veterinary treatments.  

Clothilde Villot, Research Scientist with Lallemand Animal Nutrition, who presented the study explains:

“High morbidity and mortality rates of calves during the pre-weaning period dramatically impact the sustainability of farms. The objective of this trial, conducted in partnership

 with University of Lublin, was to evaluate the efficacy of  our specific association of yeast fractions (YANG) to support calf growth and health status in the pre-weaning period. The study showed improvement of the overall health and early growth of pre-weaned calves when they received YANG in milk replacer. Consequently, less therapeutic treatments were needed. These benefits could be explained by an enrichment of the beneficial gut microbiota of supplemented calves.”

Trial results

The trial was performed on a commercial dairy farm in Poland on 30 Holstein calves. The calves received either a control milk replacer or milk replacer supplemented with YANG from 5 to 65 days of life.  

• Improved health status: No calves in the YANG group experienced respiratory diseases during the trial whereas 50% of the non-supplemented calves had respiratory problems (P=0.034). There also was a reduction in the number and duration of diarrhea cases. Consequently, an improved fecal score was reported for the YANG group throughout the trial. As a result, the average number of therapeutic treatments was reduced. 
• Improved growth performance: Average daily gain (ADG) was improved in the early days of the trial, giving calves a better start. 

These benefits of the specific association of yeast fractions can be linked to its effects at the microbiota level. When the researchers looked at the calves’ fecal microbiota they found an increase in beneficial bacteria populations such as milk–associated bacteria Bifidobacteria or Lactobacillus and Akkermansia, which is associated with the stimulation of mucine production and immune system regulation. This could positively influence milk metabolism and reinforce the calves’ natural defenses.  

 

To learn more about YANG, click here!