Native Yeast Probiotics: A Natural Feeding Strategy for Healthier Dairy Cattle

The rumen of ruminant animals is a highly specialised fermentation chamber that supports a diverse microbial community essential for digestion and productivity. With increasing restrictions on antibiotic growth promoters due to antimicrobial resistance, attention has shifted toward probiotics as sustainable feed additives. Among these, yeast-based probiotics—particularly rumen-native yeasts—have emerged as promising alternatives. Indigenous yeast strains possess adaptive traits that allow them to survive ruminal stress conditions, stabilise fermentation, improve fibre digestion, and enhance animal performance. This article highlights the role of native rumen yeasts as probiotics in dairy cattle feeding, discusses their mechanisms of action, and summarises evidence supporting their application as next-generation, host-specific feed additives.