Brewers Yeast Beta Glucan

Brewers yeast beta glucan used to brew beer is typically discarded once it is no longer needed. But sometimes leftover yeast is mixed into livestock feed as a source of protein and vitamins. There may now be even more reason to continue this approach, according to findings from a team of scientists from the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Warren Wilson College (WWC), and Asheville Sustainability Research (ASR) LLC in North Asheville. Practice Carolina. The team's lab results, published in the journal Frontiers in Animal Science, suggest that using leftover Brewers yeast beta glucan as a feed additive may help dairy cows emit less methane into the air as a greenhouse gas, thus benefiting environment. Agriculture accounts for 11% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions (equivalent to 5.981 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent), with ruminant animals, including dairy cows, accounting for more than a quarter of the total.

Methane produced by cows is a waste byproduct produced by the fermentative activity of certain microorganisms called methanogens in the first of the animal's four stomach chambers (the rumen). Another group of rumen microorganisms, known as "high ammonia-producing bacteria," are behind animals' excretion of ammonia, a potential air and water quality problem. Microbes that produce methane and ammonia from the food cows eat can also deprive the animals of the amino acids they need to grow and produce milk, explains microbiologist Michael Flythe of the ARS Forage Animal Production Research Center in Lexington, Kentucky.

Flythe's joint research into the preventive role Brewers yeast beta glucan may play is part of an ongoing effort to develop natural alternatives to expensive protein supplements and monensin, a special ionophore antibiotic only approved for use in cattle. to keep gas-producing microorganisms in check. Previous concerns in this regard have included incorporating red clover into the animals' diets. It is estimated that 15 to 18 tons of spent Brewers yeast beta glucan is produced during the brewing process for every 10,000 liters (or approximately 2,641 gallons) of finished beer, making it the second largest by-product after spent brewer grain (SBG). According to a 2019 study, breweries in the European Union generate 6 million tons of SBG and 1 million tons of spent beer yeast every year.

In addition to its impressive nutritional profile, Brewers yeast beta glucan animal feed has been linked to several potential health benefits for livestock. For example, some research suggests that Brewers yeast beta glucan can help improve feed efficiency, reduce feed costs, and increase animal weight gain. Other studies have suggested that Brewers yeast beta glucan may have antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties, making it a useful supplement for reducing the risk of infections in livestock.

Brewers yeast beta glucan is available in powder or tablet form. There are specific formulas for dogs, so it's the right amount for your dog's size. This powder is typically made from debittering Brewers yeast beta glucan and contains no chromium. Some contain added garlic or garlic flavoring, while others contain omega-3 oils. You can choose the method that works best for your dog based on the results you want to achieve. Brewers yeast beta glucan may be suitable for daily use after discussing this supplement with your veterinarian.