Cow-calf producers are always striving to provide top-notch nutrition for their herds, but challenges such as adverse weather and poor soil productivity can significantly impact forage quality. Despite these obstacles, maintaining optimal body condition scores (BCS) for breeding-age heifers and mature cows is crucial for supporting timely rebreeding and ensuring adequate milk production for raising healthy calves that gain.
To address the reliance on low to mid-quality forages, producers implement strategies like rotational grazing, adjusting stocking densities, improving forage selection, supplemental feeding and incorporating a yeast probiotic in their nutrition program. Among yeast probiotics, Lallemand Animal Nutrition offers a research-proven solution with LEVUCELL® SC.
For over 25 years, LEVUCELL SC has been effective in supporting rumen function and milk yield in dairy cows.1 2 And now, new research reveals that this probiotic also holds substantial benefits for cow-calf operations.
Research shows calves from grazing cows supplemented with LEVUCELL SC rumen specific yeast, achieve 7% more gain and 5% higher weaning weights.3
LEVUCELL SC is like no other yeast. It is safe and naturally occurring and can be fed in loose mineral, range cubes and pelleted feeds. It helps create a more favorable rumen environment to enhance the breakdown of forage, allowing the cow to absorb more from every bite.
For optimal results, it is recommended to begin feeding LEVUCELL SC at least 30 days before calving and continue through weaning. This practice ensures that cows can maximize their intake during lactation, effectively converting lower-quality forage into improved performance and higher economic value for producers.
Every management decision counts and with favorable market prices, heavier calves mean more potential dollars in cow-calf producers’ pockets. Learn more about LEVUCELL SC and how Lallemand can support your herd’s productivity, health and profitability here.
References:
- De Ondarza, USA, 2010. Prof. Anim. Sci.26: 661-666.
- Supported by more than 70 publications, more information available in the LEVUCELL SC Research Bibliography.
- Adams, P.R., et al, 2024. J. Animal Sc.
