TopGuard Rumen+: Natural optimisation of rumen health and feed efficiency in beef cattle
In recent years, the pressure on beef producers to operate more efficiently and sustainably has increased significantly. While current returns are favourable, it remains crucial to ensure animals perform optimally, not least for financial results. At the same time, there is a growing need for strategies that promote animal health and help reduce the use of antibiotics. This article explains how TopGuard Rumen+, an innovative feed additive, based on essential oils and yeast cell wall components, can help address these challenges. With this additive, feed suppliers can truly stand out in the market and offer added value to their customers.
Healthy rumen improves results
The rumen is the central organ for digestion and nutrient utilisation in cattle. Optimal rumen function is essential for high feed intake, efficient nutrient conversion, and the prevention of health problems such as rumenitis and liver abscesses. Particularly under intensive feeding regimes, such as in feedlots and veal calf operations, the risk of disturbances in the rumen flora increases.
Optimising rumen function
TopGuard Rumen+ has been developed as a natural solution to help mitigate these risks. It contains selected essential oils and dried yeast products (cell walls). Each of these components play a specific role in supporting rumen health and the immune system by helping to prevent rumen acidosis—and therefore rumenitis.
Rumenitis and liver abscesses
Rumenitis and liver abscesses can by caused when rapid fermentation of carbohydrates significantly lowers the pH of the rumen. This is called rumen acidosis - a common condition. This higher acidity disrupts normal rumen function and damages the lining of the rumen wall, leading to inflammation called rumenitis. When the rumen lining is damaged in this way, it becomes more permeable, allowing bacteria, such as Fusobacterium necrophorum, to enter the bloodstream. These bacteria travel to the liver, where they can cause liver abscesses which negatively affect the animal's health and productivity. Liver abscesses are commonly seen in animals receiving energy-rich diets without sufficient fibre.
Mode of action: synergy between essential oils and yeast cell walls
The essential oils in TopGuard Rumen+, derived from different sources, have antimicrobial properties and can inhibit the activity of certain rumen bacteria. This helps to better control acid production and supports a healthier microbial balance in the rumen. These essential oils also stimulate the production of propionic acid in the rumen. Propionic acid is an important volatile fatty acid that improves the utilisation of energy from feed, leading to higher growth rates and better feed efficiency.
The yeast cell wall components, such as those derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, contain components like beta‑glucans and mannans that stimulate the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the rumen. This leads to better-regulated fermentation and reduces the risk of a sudden pH drop.
Beta-glucans also activate the immune system by stimulating immune cells, while mannans bind pathogenic bacteria, positively influencing the gut flora. By combining these effects, essential oils and yeast cell wall products help support rumen health, reduce the risk of rumen acidosis, and lower the chances of rumenitis and liver abscesses.
Feeding veal calves with TopGuard Rumen+
TopGuard Rumen+ has been tested in the rose veal system in the Netherlands. The results in table 1 show that using TopGuard Rumen+ leads to improved growth performance, with higher final body weight and greater total weight gain. Especially during the starter phase (the first 61 days), when calves experience stress due to arrival and weaning, TopGuard Rumen+ resulted in higher average daily gain (ADG) and better feed efficiency.
Health benefits of TopGuard Rumen+ in feedlots
Feedlot trials with maize silage and high-concentrate rations have shown that TopGuard Rumen+ helps reduce the number of cases of liver abscesses and rumenitis (see Figure ??). These results underline the fact that TopGuard Rumen+ supports rumen and liver health in intensive feeding regimes.
Across four feedlot trials, TopGuard Rumen+ consistently delivered improved performance during the fattening phase. The results in Table 1 confirm that the essential oils and yeast derivatives in TopGuard Rumen+ effectively contribute to better results in high-performance feedlot diets.
Practical results: Impact on growth, health, and profitability
Field trials in Brazil and the Netherlands have shown that TopGuard Rumen+ leads to:
- Improved feed intake and digestibility: Feedlot trials with Nellore bulls showed a clear increase in both dry matter intake and digestibility of fibre and starch.
- Higher growth and carcass yield: Average daily gain (ADG) increased from 1.5 kg/day (control) to 1.6 kg/day with TopGuard Rumen+. Final body weight and total weight gain were higher with Rumen+.
- Health benefits: There was a clear reduction in rumenitis, especially during periods of high feeding stress such as the starter phase in veal calves.
Natural innovation for modern beef production
TopGuard Rumen+ offers a natural, scientifically proven solution to the challenges facing today’s beef industry. The synergistic action of essential oils and yeast cell walls, not only promotes rumen health, but also growth, feed efficiency, and overall animal health. This contributes to a more sustainable and economically viable operation.
Interested in including TopGuard Rumen+ in your portfolio?
About the author
Thijs Hunink
Specialist Ruminants
Do you have any questions or would you like more information? Get in touch with Thijs.
