Ruminal solubility and bioavailability of trace minerals of growing lambs fed varying levels of live yeast with total mixed ration

Mutassim M. AbdelrahmanAyman A Swelum^*Hani A. Ba-AwadhMohammed A. Al-BadwiMohsen M AlobreGamaleldin M. SulimanAbdullah N. Al-OwaimerMohammed M. Qaid^*Majdi A. Bahadi

• King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

This study evaluated the effects of yeast supplementation (YS) on trace mineral (TM) concentrations in blood serum, rumen fluid, and meat, as well as growth performance in lambs fed a total mixed ration. Additionally, correlations among TMs in different tissues were examined. Twenty-four healthy growing lambs were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 8/group): YS0.00, YS1.50, and YS3.00 (0.00, 1.50, and 3.00 g yeast/lamb/day). Feed intake and body weight were monitored every four weeks during the 8-week trial. Samples of blood serum, rumen fluid, and meat were analyzed for Fe, Cu, Zn, I, Se, and Co using ICP-OES. In the YS3.00 group, yeast supplementation significantly increased overall roughage intake. However, it decreased feed efficiency, indicating that although animals consumed more, nutrient utilization efficiency was altered. The YS1.50 group resulted in significantly higher serum levels of Mn, Cu, and Se (P<0.05). Rumen fluid TM concentrations were significantly affected by treatment, with lower values in YS1.50 and YS3.00 compared to YS0.00. A similar pattern was observed in meat, with the YS1.50 group showing significantly higher levels of most TMs, except I and Cu. Strong positive correlations (P<0.05) were found between rumen and meat TMs for Mn, Fe, Se, and I, and between rumen fluid and serum for Fe and Cu. In conclusion, 1.50 g/day yeast supplementation increased trace mineral concentrations in serum and meat, with the exception of I and Cu, and improved correlations between rumen fluid and meat for Mn, Fe, Se, and I, as well as between rumen fluid and serum in growing lambs.