Effect of live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on milk production and milk composition in early lactating dairy goats

In this study, the effects of live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on milk production and milk composition in early lactating dairy goats were investigated. In this research, 36 Saanen dairy goats were devided into two treatments and control group balanced for milk production in the first week of lactation. Treated animals received 3 g/day (Group II) and 6 g/day (Group III) yeast supplement (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and control group (Group I) received only basal ration including corn silage, alfa alfa hay, straw and mixed feed without live yeast. The study lasted for 72 days. Live yeast was fed to lactating goats during morning milking separately. Feed intake, body weight, milk production and milk composition were recorded to day 72 postpartum by using herd management system. Milk samples were analyzed weekly for fat, protein and nonfat solids. In this study, live yeast (S. cerevisiae) supplementation to early lactating dairy goats significantly (P<0,05) increased milk production. Milk composition (fat, protein and non fat solids) was not affected by supplementation of live yeast. Results suggest that the inclusion of Saccharomyces cerevisae to the ration of early lactating dairy goats can be recommended under field conditions. Keywords: Yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae , dairy goats, milk yield