Photo : BSS

KHULNA, Jan 22, 2026 (BSS) - Live yeast and flaxseed supplements can significantly increase milk production of cows and improve milk quality, a recent research conducted by Khulna University (KU) has found. 

The findings were presented at a workshop titled 'Enhancing Milk Production and Quality through Supplementation of Live Yeast and Linseed Seed in Dairy Cows', held today at the KU's Central Research Laboratory Conference Room. 

The research project was implemented by the Agrotechnology Discipline of the university with financial support from the Southeast Bank PLC.

In his keynote presentation, Professor Dr Sardar Shafiqul Islam, Principal Researcher of the project, said that dairy farming remains a major source of livelihood for rural households across Bangladesh.

However, milk yield and quality at the farm level have yet to reach expected standards, primarily due to inadequate balanced nutrition and a lack of modern feeding management practices. 

He explained that nutritional biotechnology has opened new opportunities in livestock nutrition, where natural feed additives such as live yeast and flaxseed can be effectively utilized.

According to the research findings, live yeast enhances rumen fermentation efficiency, improves digestion, and enables cows to extract maximum nutrients from feed.

This results in increased milk production, improved milk composition, enhanced disease resistance, better body condition, and improved reproductive performance.

Flaxseed, a locally available feed ingredient in Bangladesh, is rich in high-quality oil, protein, fibre, and essential minerals. It is a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids, which significantly enhance the nutritional value of milk.

The study revealed that supplementing dairy cow diets with 400-600 grams of flaxseed per day increased milk yield by an average of 20-25 percent. 

In a field trial conducted in the Khulna region, average daily milk production increased from 8.55 kg to 10.48 kg per cow.

Researchers further noted that alpha-linolenic acid present in flaxseed increases omega-3 fatty acid levels in milk, which is beneficial for human health, particularly in reducing heart disease risk, supporting brain development, and strengthening immunity.

Additionally, the supplementation increased milk protein, fat, and total solids content, thereby improving milk quality and market value.

Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, Vice-Chancellor (in-charge) of Khulna University Professor Dr Md Harunur Rashid Khan said the ultimate objective of research is to ensure that its outcomes benefit people and contribute meaningfully to national development. 

He stressed the importance of increased research in the agricultural sector, noting that there remains considerable scope for further studies on improving milk yield and quality.

He also highlighted that Khulna University has consistently prioritized research, adding that for the first time, funding has been allocated for collaborative research, which will be expanded in the future.

Special guest Treasurer Professor Dr Md Nurunnabi emphasized that research outcomes must reach marginal farmers and grassroots-level beneficiaries.

He underlined the need for cost-effective technologies so that farmers can adopt the findings easily, leading to reduced production costs and better market prices.
"Unless farmers and dairy entrepreneurs achieve economic security, research cannot be considered truly effective," he added.

Professor Md Rezaul Islam, Head of the Agrotechnology Discipline, chaired the workshop.

Director of the Research and Innovation Centre Professor Dr Kazi Mohammad Didarul Islam and Khulna District Veterinary Officer Dr Sanjay Biswas, among others, spoke.

Teachers, students, livestock professionals, and marginal farmers participated in the workshop, reflecting a strong interest in applying research-based nutritional strategies to improve dairy productivity in Bangladesh.