EFFECT OF Saccharomyces cerevisiae SUPPLEMENTATION ON MILK PRODUCTION, BODY CONDITION, AND ANIMAL WELFARE IN DUAL-PURPOSE COWS GRAZING ON HIGH-BIOMASS TROPICAL GRASSES

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.973572529103

• Palavras-chave: Dual-purpose system, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, milk, Miyagui, Mombasa.

• Keywords: Dual-purpose system, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, milk, Miyagui, Mombasa.

• Abstract:

  The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of including Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) in the diet of dual-purpose cows during lactation, evaluating milk production and body condition (BC). The trial was conducted at a production unit located north of the municipality of Pánuco, Veracruz, Mexico. The cows were evaluated in two treatments (N=8 each), T1= (control group) received a feed supplement without SC, and T2= was supplied with 1% SC in the supplement, both treatments for 28 days (d). The trial was conducted under grazing conditions with high-yielding tropical cultivars, Panicum maximum, Megathyrsus maximus cv. Miyagui and Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. Mombasa, and concentrated feed with 20% crude protein (CP) at a rate of 2 kg/cow/d. Milk production was recorded daily, determining the average cow/d. production each week (period) for 4 weeks. CC was recorded at the beginning and end of the test in both study groups. A cross-over experimental design was used, and a comparison of means was performed using Tukey's test. Forage biomass production was higher (P>0.05) for Miyagui grass with 32 tons/ha at harvest. No statistical difference (P<0.05) was observed between the varieties evaluated in terms of NDF, CP, and ash. The values obtained are within the ranges reported in other studies. In terms of milk production, a difference was found (P>0.01), with the highest value (2,973 liters) for the S. Cereviseae supplement. On a scale of 1 to 9, there was no difference in CC between cows supplemented with and without S. cerevisiae. The average CC observed in this study for each treatment (3.9 to 4.3 on a scale of 1 to 9) was considered moderate and functional for lactating, dual-purpose cows of different breeds under production systems in tropical regions.