Effect of a yeast based feed additive (ADDON™ - Rumen Support) to counteract heat stress related productivity loss in dairy cattle

Feed additives are being used to counteract production losses in lactating cattle arising due to heat stress. In this context a study was conducted to study the impact of supplementing ADDON™ - Rumen support on in vitro rumen fermentation, production and health of lactating cattle during summer.

To a total mixed ration (TMR), ADDON™ Rumen support was supplemented at three levels viz., No ADDON™ -RS, ADDON™ -RS at 0.07 g/100 g TMR and ADDON™ -RS at 0.15 g/100 g TMR and subjected to in vitro rumen fermentation studies using the Rumen Simulation Technique. Eighteen lactating dairy cattle at early lactation, were randomly divided into three treatment groups: T1 - No ADDON™ -RS, T2 - ADDON™ -RS at 7 g/animal/day and T3 - ADDON™ -RS at 15 g/animal/day and their body condition score, body weight, milk yield, fat and SNF content were studied during peak summer.

Supplementation of ADDON™ -RS @ 0.15 g/100 g of TMR helped in regulating in vitro ruminal pH, significantly (p<0.05) reduced total gas and carbon dioxide production at 12 hours of incubation and methane production at 12 and 36 hours of incubation. ADDON™ -RS supplementation at both levels (0.07 g/100 g TMR and 0.15 g/100 g TMR) resulted in significant (p<0.05) increase in in vitro microbial biomass production at 12 hours of incubation. In spite of peak summer, ADDON™ -RS supplementation in lactating dairy cattle prevented changes in body condition score, weight loss and resulted in significantly (p<0.05) higher milk yield without compromising on milk fat and SNF content and decreased somatic cell count in milk and improved manure quality.