The use of live yeast suspensions in beef cattle rations.

Forty head of choice-quality steer calves were used in the wintering phase of this test. These calves were part of a shipment from the Lonker Ranch, Medicine Lodge, Kan. The steers were assigned to lots on the basis of weight and feeder grade, The live yeast suspensions used in this experiment are Torula utilis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The yeast suspensions were prepared weekly and stored at the optimum temperature until fed. They were prepared to supply 3 billion live yeast cells per animal daily. The suspensions were mixed with ½ pint of water and sprinkled over the rations in the feed bunks each morning. Results of this phase of the study are presented in Table 51. A digestion study was conducted to determine the influence of the two strains of yeast on the digestibility of a cattle-fattening ration composed of 3 parts milo grain and 1 part alfalfa hay. Eleven yearling Hereford steers weighing 700 pounds each were used in this study

The use of live-yeast suspension in beef cattle rations.

The rumen, or paunch, of cattle and sheep normally contains innumerable microorganisms. It has long been recognized that these microscopic organisms help break down complex carbohydrates such as fiber and help synthesize nutrients for the host animal. The efficiency of utilization of rations fed to cattle and sheep is largely determined by the proper balance of these microorganisms in the rumen and a supply of certain basic nutrients such as protein, minerals, and readily available energy. Two strains of live yeast were used as an additive in this experiment to study (1) their value in wintering and fattening rations of steer calves (2) their effect upon digestion and (3) any carryover effect from wintering to grazing