Benelac YC

Optimising Rumen Efficiency in New Zealand's Pasture-Based Systems

The Challenge of NZ Pastures

This interactive report explores how yeast culture, specifically Benelac YC from Natural Biologics, addresses the unique digestive challenges faced by dairy cows in New Zealand. Our pasture-based systems, while efficient, present a diet high in sugars and low in effective fibre, which can disrupt the delicate balance of the rumen environment.

This analysis covers the fundamental role of yeast culture, the unique properties of Benelac YC, and presents key findings from a comparative trial against Diamond V XPC, demonstrating its efficacy in improving production outcomes.

Key Pasture System Challenges

● Rapid Fermentation: High sugar levels in lush pasture lead to rapid fermentation, increasing the risk of sub-acute ruminal acidosis (SARA).
● Low Structural Fibre: Reduced cud chewing and saliva production, which acts as a natural buffer against acid buildup.
● Microbial Imbalance: The rumen environment can favor lactate-producing bacteria over fibre-digesting bacteria, reducing feed efficiency.

How Yeast Culture Transforms the Rumen

Yeast culture is not just yeast; it's a metabolic powerhouse. It provides a rich source of metabolites that nurture a healthier, more efficient rumen microbial population.

The Rumen Optimisation Process

1. Stimulates Beneficial Bacteria

Metabolites act as a prebiotic, feeding and stimulating the growth of key fibre-digesting and lactate-utilising bacteria.

2. Stabilises Rumen pH

By promoting lactate-utilising bacteria, yeast culture helps mop up excess lactic acid, preventing the sharp drops in pH associated with SARA.

3. Enhances Fibre Digestion

A healthier microbial population becomes more effective at breaking down plant fibre, unlocking more energy and nutrients from the feed.

4. Boosts Milk Production

Improved nutrient absorption and feed efficiency directly translate into higher milk yield and increased milk solids.

Key Benefits at a Glance

By optimising the rumen environment, yeast cultures deliver tangible benefits that directly impact farm profitability and animal health, especially in a pasture-fed model.

Improved Feed Efficiency

Get more milk from every kilogram of feed.

Higher Milk Solids

Increased production of valuable protein and fat.

Reduced Metabolic Stress

Lower risk of acidosis and related health issues.

Better Animal Health

Supports overall cow well-being and longevity.

The Benelac YC Advantage

Benelac YC is engineered through a proprietary process to maximise the production of beneficial metabolites, making it uniquely suited for the demands of modern dairy farming.

1

Proprietary Yeast Strain

Benelac YC is built upon a specific, high-performance strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This strain has been meticulously selected for its ability to thrive and remain metabolically active in the fluctuating pH and anaerobic conditions of the rumen, ensuring it delivers consistent benefits where they are needed most.

2

Dual-Action Fermentation

The production of Benelac YC involves a proprietary, two-stage fermentation process. This controlled system creates an oxygen-rich environment to grow the yeast, then transitions to an oxygen-free stage. This forces the yeast to produce a unique and highly concentrated profile of functional metabolites crucial for rumen optimisation.

3

Potent Metabolite Package

Unlike standard yeast products, Benelac YC is a rich culture containing the yeast cells plus the valuable liquid media they were grown in. This delivers a complete package of B-vitamins, peptides, amino acids, and antioxidants that directly fuel beneficial rumen microbes, stabilise pH, and support overall herd health and efficiency.

Comparative Trial: Benelac YC vs. Diamond V XPC

This section presents data from a study on early lactation dairy cows in New Zealand, comparing the effects of Benelac YC and Diamond V XPC. Use the buttons below to explore the results for different key performance indicators.

Milk Solids (kg MS/cow/day)

When directly compared, cows fed Benelac YC produced significantly more milk solids than those on Diamond V XPC. This highlights a superior ability to improve the energy and nutrient extraction from feed, directly impacting farm profitability.

Composition & Feeding Guide

Benelac YC is a high-concentration yeast culture. The following details are based on the product's official specifications.

Typical Analysis

  • Crude Protein41%
  • Crude Fat5%
  • Crude Fibre7%
  • Ash4%
  • Moisture8%

Product Composition

A pure, carrier-free Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast culture, consisting of the dried yeast cells and the nutrient-rich media they were grown on. This provides a higher content of beneficial peptides, enzymes, growth factors, and metabolites.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Recommended Feeding Rate

Mix thoroughly with the daily ration to ensure consistent intake across the herd.

All Dairy Cattle

3 - 7 g

per head / per day