Growth, lipid profile and methane production by sheep fed diets containing yeast (Saccharomyces Cerevisiae)

A twelve-week study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary inclusion of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on growth performance, lipid profile and methane production by West African dwarf sheep. Twenty four (24) lambs(12 males and 12 females) were randomly allotted to six treatment diets in a 3x2 factorial arrangement involving grass (Panicum maximum) hay, grass/legume mixture (50: 50) hay and legume (Centrosema pubescens) hay either without or with S.cerevisiae supplementation (1.5g/kg diet). Result showed that the average dailyfeed intake, average dailyweight gain and final body weight were significantly higher for sheep fed legume diet with S. cerevisieae supplementation than those fed other diets. Sheep fed grass diet without supplementary yeast had significantly higher methane emission than those fed other diets. Based on the results, the addition of S. cerevisiae to legume diet was recommended to improve feed intake, dailyweight gain, feed efficiency and methane emission.