Expert interview: Carlos Vergara on Optimizing Live Yeast Probiotic Viability

Carlos Vergara Robles is the Processing and External Production Manager at Lallemand Animal Nutrition and has more than 20 years of experience in the animal feed industry.

What are the main challenges in maintaining the viability of live yeast probiotics during feed production?

The main challenges to live yeast probiotic viability during feed production include high temperatures during pelleting or extrusion; mechanical stresses from mixing, grinding, and pressing; extreme pressures in the conditioner and pellet die; and interactions with certain feed ingredients like minerals, organic acids, essential oils, and oxygen exposure during storage. Each of these factors can degrade or kill yeast cells, compromising the efficacy of the probiotic.

Overcoming these challenges requires specialized technologies and application strategies that can protect the yeast cells throughout the manufacturing process and deliver them alive to the animal.

Why is maintaining viability so critical?

Maintaining live yeast viability is critical because the probiotic must be alive to function in the animal’s digestive system. Viable yeast stabilizes gut microflora, helps to support immunity, improves feed efficiency, and promotes overall performance. If the yeast cells die during feed processing, the probiotic cannot deliver these crucial benefits.

In other words, the efficacy of the probiotic is directly tied to its viability. Dead yeast cells will not deliver live yeast benefits. That’s why ensuring survival through the feed production process is so essential.

How do you guarantee the viability of live probiotics during manufacturing?

To address these challenges, we have developed a portfolio of live yeast products tailored to the specific needs of modern feed production. For example, our products LEVUCELL SC and LEVUCELL SB are specific live yeast dedicated to ruminant and swine feed, respectively. The LEVUCELL SC and LEVUCELL SB 20 vermicelli form are designed for standard formulation processes.

The most advanced solution is TITAN, a patented microencapsulation technology that encapsulates active ingredients in a protective layer, shielding them from the damaging effects of heat, pressure, and mechanical energy. TITAN technology is meticulously adapted to ensure optimal resistance and viability of live yeast throughout the pelleting process.

Lallemand emphasizes the importance of a tailored approach to yeast protection, rather than a one-size-fits-all solution. Why is customization so critical?

Customization is critical because the choice of probiotic strain and form depends on various factors, including the specific equipment used, feed formulation, and processing parameters. There is no one-size-fits-all solution that can effectively address the unique challenges and requirements of each feed production scenario.

We work closely with feed producers to audit their manufacturing processes, identify potential fail points, and recommend the most suitable probiotic form for each unique situation. By adopting a collaborative approach and leveraging their extensive expertise, Lallemand can tailor recommendations to maximize yeast viability for individual customers. This customized approach ensures that the benefits of live microorganism additives are fully realized in each specific feed production context.

Looking ahead, what role do you see probiotic feed technology playing in the future of animal welfare and sustainable food production?

Probiotic feed technology will play an increasingly vital role in the future of animal welfare and sustainable food production. The demand for safe, high-quality animal protein is growing rapidly worldwide. At the same time, there is mounting pressure to reduce the environmental impact of livestock farming, minimize antibiotic use, and enhance animal welfare. Probiotics offer a compelling solution to support ruminant productions on all these fronts.

By supporting gut health and natural immunity, probiotics can help optimize feed efficiency, reduce waste output, and lessen the need for antimicrobial interventions. This not only improves animal performance and well-being but also contributes to a safer, more sustainable food supply. However, unlocking these benefits hinges on getting live, viable probiotics into the animal via the feed. As production systems become increasingly efficient and ingredient choices evolve, advanced viability solutions will be key. Continued innovation in probiotic protection, coupled with collaborative application support, will enable the feed industry to realize the full potential of these beneficial microbes in the face of ever-changing production challenges. It’s about working together to bring the probiotic advantage to livestock operations worldwide.

*Not all formulations are available in all territories, contact your Lallemand representative to know more about the solutions tailored to your specific needs.