Eco Gest YS, Whole Plant Yucca schidigera, benefits in cattle

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1 Eco Gest YS, Whole Plant Yucca schidigera, benefits in cattle Even though Eco Gest YS is classified as natural feed flavoring agents, beef and dairy cattle performance improvements result from more than just causing cattle to consume more feed or by causing them to consume feed more consistently. Eco Gest YS has an additional label claim as a feed through manure (ammonia) odor control in livestock, and because Eco Gest YS is certified USDA Organic, it can be used in all natural or organic feeding programs to improve performance. Increased Protein Utilization As demonstrated by CSU and several other US university researchers who performed mode of action trials utilizing fistulated cattle, in vitro experiments utilizing rumen fermentation systems and also in vivo total tract digestibility trials, Eco Gest YS, has the ability to obtain more protein value from your feed as it increases rumen microbial protein efficiency. While not a replacement for protein in feed, Eco Gest YS stretches the available protein by making the rumen more efficient in how it utilizes feed protein. Create an Optimum Rumen Environment Eco Gest YS (labeled as a natural flavoring agent) increases feed intake. It also creates a better environment in the rumen for rumen microbes and they become able to more efficiently use available protein. Ultimately, you will produce a healthier animal due to the more desirable rumen environment that feeding Eco Gest YS creates. Saponins, one of the main active ingredients in yucca disrupt the protozoal membrane (releasing engulfed nutrients) while at the same time not affecting the bacteria which positively impact the rumen digestion. Eco Gest YS is proven via laboratory analysis to consistently contain at least 25% 35% higher saponin content than other leading yucca products. Control Bloat Factors Eco Gest YS high saponin content has proven to control factors that indicate bloat in cattle. In vitro studies have shown that Eco Gest YS elevates rumen ph while lowering rumen fluid viscosity and reducing total rumen gas. Based on four main indicators of bloat, Eco Gest YS has the ability to reduce frothy bloat in cattle! Feedlot Cattle A considerable body of evidence dating back to 1979 at Colorado State University supports the use of Yucca schidigera in feedlot cattle to improve performance through modifying rumen fermentation. Over the years, numerous feedlot trials have been performed in the US, many of which remain unpublished. Recently (since 2004), Nova Microbials has also performed trials at commercial feed manufacturer facilities and private and university research feedlot facilities with whole plant Yucca schidigera preparations (Ruma Just and Eco Gest YS). (See Feedstuffs, Oct 17, 2011 pages at end of document.) Nova Microbial Technologies, LLC

2 Feedlot Cattle (cont) Improved Feedlot Performance Based on original feedlot trials at Colorado State University and numerous other universities, feeding whole plant Yucca schidigera powder, like Eco Gest YS, to yearling steers improved their ADG, overall feedlot performance, and carcass weight. Nova has also combined their proprietary Lactobacillus and Eco Gest YS products together in natural cattle finishing programs and obtained performance results that were superior to feeding conventional cattle monensin and tylosin. Eco Gest YS and other whole plant Yucca schidigera preparations (Ruma Just) act as rumen modifiers or fermentation re directive microingredients. Some researchers believe the mode of action is through the rumen protozoa while others believe it s through the rumen bacteria. Under certain experimental conditions, whole plant Yucca schidigera has demonstrated its greatest effect on the production of VFA as well as shifting of VFA molar proportions (lower Acetic/Propionic), while other experimental research has demonstrated Yucca schidigera extract s impact on rumen N metabolism including improved efficiency of microbial protein synthesis. Most animal scientists would agree that either of these modes of action could cause feedlot cattle to gain weight faster or convert feed to gain more efficiently when it is included in their rations. Dairy Cattle Although less research of an applied nature exists of Yucca schidigera products in lactating dairy cattle than feedlot cattle, the focus of most dairy cow trials has been on either increasing feed intake or on reducing blood urea nitrogen (BUN) or milk urea nitrogen (MUN). Nova Microbials has performed commercial dairy farm demonstrations with the combination of their Lactobacillus and Eco Gest YS like proprietary products where increases in milk protein content and milk production have been achieved. Nova Microbial Technologies, LLC

3 Feedstuffs, October 17, 2011 Feedstuffs Reprint Sarsaponin use in cattle reviewed More than 30 years after the original efficacy research on different forms of sarsaponin were first published, these products have withstood the test of time as their use by the feedlot industry appears to be steadily increasing. By RICK GOODALL* S ARSAPONIN was defined by Goodall in 1979 as being synonymous with steroidal saponin and any steroidal saponin-containing derivative of the genus Yucca, especially Yucca schidigera. These steroidal saponins were primarily associated with the plant s liquid or soluble solids phase. Several different steroids are contained in these unique plant saponins, collectively referred to as sarsaponin. During that time, steroidal saponins were the only biologically active compounds known in Y. schidigera. There are two to three commercially available forms of sarsaponin that can be added to cattle feed: Liquid Y. schidigera extract, either concentrated or concentrated and dried onto an inert carrier, or Dried 100% Y. schidigera plant powder extract. Although all Y. schidigera products contain steroidal saponins at varying levels, it is now known that only the dried plant powder extract form also contains phenolic antioxidants (Oleszeck et al., 2001). Since there are now known to be two chemically different forms of sarsaponin, this paper will distinguish between them as follows: Y. schidigera liquid extract (YSLE) and Y. schidigera plant powder (YSPP). A more complete description of the processing of Y. schidigera plants and their transformation into commercial feed products is contained in an article by Cheeke and Otero (2005). *Dr. Rick Goodall is technical services manager with Nova Microbial Technologies. Early cattle research During the 1979 and 1980 American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) meetings, Goodall and Matsushima (1979 and 1980) and Goodall et al. (1979) presented their initial findings on the effects of sarsaponin (YSPP and YSLE) in ruminants. Subsequently, they also presented detailed descriptions of these experiments in university and industry publications. The following is a brief summary of the Colorado State University sarsaponin research results: (1) In vitro and in vivo rumen fermentations with YSPP demonstrated increased total volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and decreased acetate:propionate in both low- and high-concentrate diets. Feeding monensin and YSPP combined in a continuous rumen fermentation system gave complementary results (significant increases in individual and total VFAs plus a significant decreases in acetate:propionate) in low-, medium- and 1. Summary of Colorado State University finishing trials No additive, Sarsaponin, Monensin, Sarsaponin Item control 500-1,000 mg 300 mg + monensin Total gain, lb ADG, lb Dry matter intake, lb Dry matter intake:adg Liver abscesses, % Effect of urea and sarsaponin supplementation in a 62-day feedlot starting trial (Mader and Brumm, 1987) Soybean 1% urea mg Item meal 1% urea sarsaponin ADG, lb days* days Dry matter intake, lb days days Feed:gain 0-28 days days *ADG differed (P < 0.05). 3. Summary of Preston et al. (1985) finishing trial with graded levels of YSLE Sarsaponin levels, mg/head/day Item days* days* days days Liver abscess, %** *Quadratic effect. **Linear effect Feedstuffs. Reprinted with permission from Vol. 83, No. 43, October 17, 2011.

4 2 Feedstuffs, October 17, 2011 high-concentrate diets. (2) An in vivo digestion trial performed with YSLE demonstrated increases in ruminal (P < 0.05) and total tract (P > 0.05) organic matter digestion of both low- and high-concentrate diets based on corn silage and steam-flaked corn without monensin. The rates of passage for liquids and solids were also significantly reduced by the YSLE form when it was fed to fistulated and cannulated yearling steers. (3) In a growing trial with calves fed high-roughage diets ad libitum with a low-level antibiotic, no positive feedlot performance responses were obtained due to the addition of YSLE. (4) In three finishing feedlot trials with yearling cattle, there were significant improvements in either weight gain (trial 1) or feed efficiency (trial 2) or both (trial 3). Liver abscesses were numerically reduced in trial 1 and were significantly reduced in trial 2 but were no different (P > 0.05) in trial 3. The Colorado researchers utilized sarsaponin in the YSPP form in feedlot finishing diets in trials 1 and 2 and the YSLE form during finishing trial 3, which was a continuation of the growing trial previously described in the third point. Table 1 contains combined results for the three Colorado State University finishing trials as summarized by Goodall (1980). During the 1980s, there were several ASAS meeting presentations describing YSLE effects on in vitro rumen fermentation in high-concentrate diets. The effects included lowered rumen ammonia (Grobner et al., 1982; Gibson et al., 1985; Ellenberger et al., 1985), higher rumen propionate and microbial nitrogen synthesis (Grobner et al., 1982). In vivo total tract digestion trials were also performed in the mid-1980s in which sarsaponin-ysle was fed to calves, yearlings and cows in medium-, high- and low-concentrate diets, respectively. Goetsch et al. (1985) showed shifts in both the site and rate of starch and protein digestion with increasing sarsaponin levels in cannulated yearling steers fed a high-concentrate diet with monensin. Goetsch and Owens (1985) reported that feeding YSLE to cannulated dairy cows during late lactation increased the rate and extent of both ruminal and total tract organic matter (P < 0.05). In a follow-up paper by Valdez et al. (1986), semi-continuous and in situ rumen fermentations with YSLE showed no significant rumen modifying effects due to sarsaponin addition. Goetsch et al. (1985) also utilized cannulated yearling steers fed a highconcentrate diet with monensin to determine a linear trend (0 mg to 300 mg to 500 mg per head per day of YSLE) toward increased microbial protein synthesis. At about the same time, Zinn et Reprint al.(1983) reported significantly greater microbial protein synthesis plus greater dietary protein ruminal escape in calves fed medium-concentrate levels with 60 parts per million of YSLE. During two 56-day calf receiving trials, Zinn et al. (1983) reported only a modest improvement in calf average daily gain (ADG) during the first 14 days after arrival at the feedlot. In contrast, in receiving calves fed high-roughage diets, Brethour (unpublished) observed improvements in 28-day receiving calf performance when sarsaponin-ysle was either administered in a single bolus or continuously fed in combination with a therapeutic antibiotic. Meanwhile, Goodall et al. (1981 and 1982) reported results from two sequential finishing trials in which various forms of processed grains were fed to yearling cattle in a commercial setting. When sarsaponin as YSLE was added to diets containing both monensin and tylosin, improvements in overall finishing performance were obtained, but the response varied with the type of corn processing used. ADG (P < 0.05) was improved in YSLE steers fed rations containing either dry-rolled corn or high-moisture corn, while feed:gain was improved (P < 0.05) in YSLE steers fed steam-flaked corn rations. Somewhat in contrast, Mader et al. (1984) initially reported obtaining mixed results when YSLE was added to either dry-rolled corn or high-moisture corn diets that were fed to yearlings along with monensin or lasalocid. The sarsaponin response varied and tended to decline with the number of days on feed in both trials. However, Mader and Brumm (1987) subsequently published results from a 62- day feedlot starting trial in which calves responded to YSLE in rations with or without urea. Early weight gain and total trial feed efficiency improved for the ureasupplemented diet, resulting in feedlot performance that was more similar to the performance obtained with a soybean meal-supplemented diet (Table 2). These results lend support to conducting more basic research on how sarsaponin affects rumen ammonia and/or microbial protein synthesis. Preston et al. (1985) reported results of a finishing trial in which graded levels of YSLE (from 0 mg to 900 mg per head day) were fed to yearling steers in steamflaked milo. Rations contained monensin (300 mg per head day), and cattle were implanted. Significant curvilinear/quadratic results for ADG and feed:gain were obtained at 112 days (P < 0.05) on feed and for ADG at 197 days (P < 0.07) on feed (Table 3). Cattle were not harvested until 197 days on feed due to a severe snowstorm. At harvest, Preston et al. determined that liver condemnation rates had been linearly reduced (P < 0.05) due to the increasing sarsaponin level in finishing rations that did not contain tylosin. Higher levels During the 1990s, research results were reported with Y. schidigera products of unknown form or that had not been completely described, including: Much greater total product dosage rates were added to in vitro rumen models and sheep/cattle diets (in primarily digestion models). Sarsaponin or sarsaponin-containing product dosages were from 100- to 1,000-fold higher than previously reported. Other active ingredients (e.g., enzymes, bacteria) were added to the yucca product. Sarsaponin s feeding effects in these combination products were, therefore, confounded. Indirect effects During the 1990s, reports of adding YSLE combined with other chemical ingredients (e.g., salts, acids, etc.) to grains prior to processing (rolling or flaking) began appearing in the literature. Again, the direct effect of sarsaponin on ruminant digestion and/or performance was confounded with its physical or chemical effects on the feed grains. Adding sarsaponin directly to feedlot rations at previously determined efficacious levels ( ppm) simply did not often appear, if at all, in the published literature during this time period (approximately ). Finally, in 2000, researchers at Texas Tech University reported on a yearling finishing trial with a low level of a directfed YSLE. This sarsaponin feed source was added to high-concentrate finishing rations that contained monensin and tylosin. In the trial, Ward and Galyean (2000) obtained a 3.4% improvement in both ADG and feed:gain (main effects) due to the direct sarsaponin addition (50-60 g per ton) to either dry-rolled corn or steam-flaked corn diets. After more than a 10-year absence of published reports on finishing trails, this Texas Tech research reconfirmed that feeding a YSLE product at grams-per-ton or parts-per-million levels had a moderate positive impact on feedlot cattle fed a high-energy finishing diet. For approximately 20 years, or since the initial trial work with YSPP by Colorado State University researchers, the preponderance of research on sarsaponin products in ruminants has been done with the YSLE form. However, Cheeke et al. (2005) discovered and fully described several polyphenolic antioxidant compounds isolated from Y. schidigera bark. These antioxidants include resveratrol, a well-known nutraceutical compound, as well as several novel antioxidant compounds. These compounds are

5 Reprint Feedstuffs, October 17, present in YSPP but are not known to be associated with the plant liquid phase or YSLE (Oleszek et al., 2001). Research on this YSPP product has now begun and is increasing in scope. Recent results A recent conventional feedlot finishing trial that included wet distillers grains (in addition to monensin, tylosin and implants) was summarized by Nichols et al. (2011). The trial utilized a YSPP form with measurable phenolic antioxidants (Ruma-Just, Nova Microbial Technologies). A dose of 1 g per head per day of this new YSPP with and without a direct-fed microbial resulted in higher marbling scores (P = 0.03), more Choicegrade carcasses (P = 0.09) and a higher dressing percentage (P = 0.06) and was independent of carcass weight, carcass back fat or yield grade (all P > 0.50). This combination of effects on carcass characteristics had not been previously observed with any sarsaponin product. Two recently completed artificial rumen studies with the same YSPP-plusantioxidant form have also demonstrated some new and previously unreported sarsaponin effects on rumen fermentation (Loest, unpublished). A 0.01% or 0.02% addition of YSPP to a ground corn substrate resulted in significantly less rumen total gas production, a lower rumen fluid viscosity and less foam production. In the second study, rumen hydrogen sulfide production was reduced by either a 0.01% YSPP addition to a low-sulfur diet or by a 0.02% YSPP treatment of a highsulfur diet. This sarsaponin effect was not a result due to reduced rumen digestion. In fact, there was a significant increase in in vitro dry matter digestibility due to adding 0.01% YSPP. Results such as these raise the question: Could this newer YSPP-plusantioxidant form potentially have positive effects on the digestive health of feedlot cattle? Anecdotal evidence supports this premise, but more research into this area certainly needs to be done. More than 30 years after the original efficacy research on YSPP and YSLE sarsaponin forms were first published, YSLE and, more recently, YSPP have withstood the test of time as their use by the feedlot industry appears to be steadily increasing. This is at least in part due to an ongoing effort to improve their performance as well as to demonstrate additional benefits in today s feedlot cattle feeding programs. References The list of references is available by request from r.goodall@novamicrobials.com.