The effect yeast on performance and blood metabolites of cows with paratuberculosis (Johne’s disease)

The effect yeast on performance and blood metabolites of cows with paratuberculosis (Johne’s disease) The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of yeast SCAY-3PLUS on health and productivity of dairy cows infected by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Johne's disease). Multiparous Holstein dairy cows (129±24 DIM) with clinical Johne's disease assigned equally into control and yeast group. Cows in yeast group (n=10) received yeast in the diet for 20 days, while cows in the control group (n=10) did not receive the yeast. Dry matter intake and changes in BCS as well as milk production and composition were not affected by the experimental diets (P> 0.05). Rectal temperature and serum concentrations of cholesterol, triglycerides and β- Hydroxy butyrate were not affected by the treatment (P> 0.05). Dietary supplementation of the yeast increased significantly the manure score in infected cows (p < 0.05). The average antibody titer changes (ELISA) for the control and yeast group were -19/74 and - 53/6 respectively, and the yeast treatment reduced the antibody titer of Johne's disease in infected cows. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of the yeast, used as a probiotic, was therapeutic for adult paratuberculosis cows, and is useful to improve manure score and antibody titer changes in cows with paratuberculosis.