The Rationale Behind YeildGuard

YieldGuard targets some of the core processes that determine how well cows convert feed into usable energy. It focuses on three key areas

1. Redox Stability

The rumen must work in an anaerobic (low oxygen) environment. Cows will introduce oxygen into the rumen when eating and drinking. The presence of oxygen will reduce function of rumen bacteria, especially fibre digestors. If not managed this can slow fibre digestion and favour acid‑producing microbes. Excess Oxygen will also impair the ability to remove excess Hydrogen; a critical process in maintaining rumen pH.

YieldGuard supports

• Rapid removal of oxygen
• Maintenance of reducing conditions – the ability to remove excess Hydrogen
• A balanced fermentation pattern

This stabilises the microbial ecosystem and improves fibre degradation.

2. Improved VFA Production and Balance

Volatile fatty acids—acetate, propionate and butyrate—are the created following the fermentation of energy and fibre sources by the rumen microbes. Ultimately, they should provide more than two‑thirds of a cow’s energy.

YieldGuard encourages

• Higher total VFA output
• Improved propionate production for glucogenic energy. This process also acts as a sink for Hydrogen which is produced during fibre digestion.
• Support for lactic acid digesting bacteria. Removal of lactic acid, created by the starch digesting bacteria, will help maintain the rumen at an appropriate pH for efficient function.

This creates a more efficient energy supply for milk synthesis.

3. Microbial Protein Optimisation

Microbial protein is the protein provided by the digestion of the rumen microbes in the intestine of the cow. Microbial protein is the most valuable protein source in the dairy cow diet, meeting up to 60% of her needs. When rumen conditions are unstable, less ammonia is incorporated into microbial biomass and more is wasted.

YieldGuard helps

• Improve synchronisation of nitrogen and carbohydrate use
• Increase microbial protein yield
• Reduce nitrogen loss and urea output

This directly enhances milk protein production and overall efficiency.

Another potential benefit is the inhibition of methane producing microbes (Archaea). We must be careful not to target this as a primary function as methane production is key to removing excess Hydrogen in the rumen. Careful construction of the YieldGuard product maintains full rumen efficiency with the added benefit of some potential reduction in Methane production.

Why YieldGuard Matters on a Modern Dairy Unit

• Greater Feed Efficiency
  More stable rumen activity means cows extract more energy per unit of feed.
• More Consistent Milk Yield
  Reduced day-to-day rumen variation helps maintain peak performance.
• Lower Risk of Acidosis
  Improved rumen fermentation reduces acid surges and protects fibre digesters.
• Better Use of Expensive Concentrates
  Starch is only valuable if it’s fermented efficiently, YieldGuard supports that process.
• Enhanced Component Yield
  Improved acetate and propionate balance supports both butterfat and protein production.

Economic Impact

A modest 3–5% improvement in feed efficiency can return significant savings. YieldGuard helps deliver this by reducing energy waste and increasing nutrient capture.

YieldGuard provides a strategic advantage in modern dairy nutrition. By supporting stable fermentation, improving microbial balance, and enhancing VFA and protein production, it helps cows convert feed into energy and milk more efficiently. The result is better sustainability, improved profitability, and healthier cows.