Supplementing Dairy Cattle with Probiotics and Yeast Extract Throughout the Transition Period and Its Effects on the Left Abomasal Displacement Prediction Parameters

Left displacement of the abomasum is a multifactorial disorder in dairy cows, closely linked to metabolic and oxidative imbalances during the transition period. Emerging evidence suggests that modulation of the gut microbiota through probiotic and yeast supplementation may enhance metabolic resilience and reduce disease risk. The present study evaluated the effects of probiotic and yeast cell wall extract supplementation on metabolic biomarkers related to left displacement of the abomasum in periparturient Holstein cows. Forty dry cows were randomly assigned to one of the four groups: probiotic-supplemented (Pr; Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus lechiniformis, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Enterococcus faecium), yeast cell wall–supplemented (Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall), combined probiotic and yeast cell wall extract (Pr + YCW), or control (basal diet only). Supplementation commenced 21 days before expected calving and continued until 28 days postpartum. Blood samples were collected at −21, −7, +7, and +28 days relative to calving, and analyzed for key metabolic and oxidative indicators, including non-esterified fatty acid, β-hydroxybutyric acid, AST, sorbitol dehydrogenase, total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, and selected minerals (calcium, phosphorous, sodium, potassium, chloride). Probiotic supplementation significantly increased serum sodium and chloride concentrations (p < .05) and tended to elevate calcium (p = .08), while also lowering AST and malondialdehyde levels (p < .05) compared with the control group. These findings demonstrate that probiotics can beneficially modulate mineral balance and oxidative stress markers, potentially reducing susceptibility to left displacement of the abomasum during the high-risk transition period. The present study provides new insights into the effects of probiotic and yeast cell wall supplementation on key metabolic and oxidative indicators related to left displacement of the abomasum in periparturient Holstein cows.

Cite this article as: Nikzad, M., Hajimohammadi, A., Nazifi, S., Ghasrodashti, A. R., & Salahlou, M. (2026). Supplementing dairy cattle with probiotics and yeast extract throughout the transition period and its effects on the left abomasal displacement prediction parameters. Acta Veterinaria Eurasia, 52, 0197, doi: 10.5152/actavet.2026.25197