Baluh Medyabrata Atmaja, Ikania Agusetyaningsih, Muhammad Irvan Ali, Yuanara Augusta Rahmat Adikara, Rifqi Hidayatulloh, Doni Herviyanto, Wenni Meika Lestari, Amelia Lulu Rosalin Hutabarat, Alief Rahmania Safitri, Abdul Muta Ali
Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN), particularly Haemonchus contortus, pose a persistent threat to sheep health and productivity, especially in regions where anthelmintic resistance compromises the effectiveness of conventional chemical treatments. This review evaluates the potential of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a biological control agent for GIN. Through a comprehensive analysis of both in vitro and in vivo studies, the review synthesizes findings on the yeast’s effects on immune modulation, gut health, and parasite load reduction. Evidence shows that S. cerevisiae enhances immunoglobulin and cytokine production, supports the growth of beneficial gut microbiota, and indirectly reduces parasite viability. When used in synergy with nematophagous fungi such as Duddingtonia flagrans, S. cerevisiae significantly lowers fecal egg counts, reinforcing its role in integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. These results highlight the yeast’s multifaceted benefits, including enhanced host immunity, reduced dependence on chemical treatments, and support for environmental sustainability. Additionally, S. cerevisiae is easily incorporated into existing feeding systems and carries a minimal risk of resistance development. This review underscores the need for further studies on formulation optimization, long-term field trials, and interactions with other biological agents. In conclusion, S. cerevisiae offers a promising, eco-friendly alternative for managing GIN in sheep farming. © 2025 by the authors. Licensee ResearchersLinks Ltd, England, UK.
Animal Feed Technology Study Program, Department of Agroindustry Technology, Politeknik Negeri Tanah Laut, South Kalimantan, 70815, Indonesia; Physiology and Biochemistry Laboratory, Animal Science Department, Faculty of Animal and Agricultural Sciences, Diponegoro University, Semarang, 50275, Indonesia; Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, 65151, Indonesia; Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Animal Sciences, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, 65145, Indonesia