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.