Abstract
This study was designed to test the effects of a probiotic yeast (Saccharomyces cereuisiae
I-1077) at two levels of nitrogen intake in early lactation, expressed as PDI (Protein truly
Digestible in the small Intestine) at normal levels of 108gPDIkg-’ DM (dry matter) vs. low
levels of 78 g PDI kg- ’ DM, on dry matter intake, milk production and composition and on blood
parameters. Twenty-eight dairy goats received a complete diet including alfalfa hay (25% of dry
matter), pressed sugar beet pulp silage (50%) and a compound feed (25%). Supplying yeast
decreased energy and nitrogen balances during the first 6 weeks after parturition. Yeast seemed to
facilitate increased mobilization of body reserves and to increase milk fatty acid production. Thus,
fat-corrected milk yield increased during the period when animals are very susceptible to
nutritional stress.