01Botanical origin
Bathed in sunshine, in the heart of the deserts of the American and Mexican south-west, grows a true natural treasure, once meticulously used by indigenous peoples. Yucca schidigera has since won over the scientific world with its wealth of phytocompounds, opening up prospects in a range of fields: animal feed, nutraceuticals, crop production, cosmetics.
02Composition and properties
Actifeed's expertise is based on knowledge of the full range of active phytocompounds: saponins, glycocompounds and phenolic compounds.
Table 3 · Phytochemical profile of Yucca schidigera.
It is above all the saponins that are the focus of attention. Extremely complex, the saponins of Yucca schidigera are steroidal in biochemical nature. Their molecule combines two parts with opposite affinities, which explains the diversity of their properties.
Table 4 · Properties of Yucca schidigera saponins.
The grouping of properties and the structural diagram are an educational reading of the general literature on saponins², to be validated by Actifeed.
Mechanisms of action
From the laboratory to the digestive tract.
- 01 Surface action Owing to their amphiphilic nature, saponins lower surface tension: they disperse lipids and facilitate contact between phases, a role documented from the feed onwards.
- 02 Ammonia binding The literature describes an ability of saponins to interact with ammonia nitrogen, contributing to NH₃ control in the digestive tract as well as in the livestock environment.
- 03 Microbiota modulation Through their action on the membranes of certain micro-organisms (reported antifungal and antibacterial properties), saponins contribute to the balance of the digestive microbiota.
03Mechanisms described in the literature
Widely discussed in the international literature, Yucca schidigera is recognised for its effectiveness in controlling ammonia and odours, including in dogs and cats¹ ².
Its specific action in the rumen gives it properties sought after by nutritionists³. This action on nitrogen metabolism contributes to the ecological balance of the digestive system in monogastrics⁴. Lastly, recent research has highlighted its antimethanogenic (ruminants) and antiprotozoal (monogastrics) benefits².
In aquaculture, the literature describes its role in managing dissolved ammonia, applied in the feed or directly to the rearing water; its complementarity with biofloc and RAS systems has been studied.
04Applications by species
Table 2 · Benefits of Yucca Schidigera by species.
| Species | Benefits | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Ruminant | Ruminal NH₃ · bypass protein · methane · energy sparing | View → |
| Pig | Environment (feed and slurry) · intestinal microbiota balance · zootechnical performance · oxygenation (piglet / sow) | View → |
| Poultry | Environment (feed and litter) · intestinal microbiota balance · zootechnical performance | View → |
| Dog / Cat | Flatulence · faecal odour · digestive comfort | View → |
| Horse | Joints · digestive comfort | |
| Rabbit | Caecal NH₃ · zootechnical performance · environment |
In crop production (field crops, market gardening, horticulture, vineyards), the benefits described are numerous: root development, wetting agent, nematode control, fertiliser, bio-activator. Agriculture →
05Process and the Mex Yucca range
Actifeed is committed to preserving the natural character of its range throughout the manufacturing process: manual harvesting, mechanical pressing, sun drying. This process guarantees an exceptional richness in phytocompounds.
Available in different forms (powder, liquid, soluble powder), the Mex Yucca range is sought after on the market for its purity and high concentrations.
Two forms, the same exacting standards
06References
- Cheeke P.R. (2000). Actual and potential applications of Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponaria saponins in human and animal nutrition. Journal of Animal Science, 77(E-Suppl.), 1-10.
- Francis G., Kerem Z., Makkar H.P.S., Becker K. (2002). The biological action of saponins in animal systems: a review. British Journal of Nutrition, 88(6), 587-605.
- Wallace R.J., Arthaud L., Newbold C.J. (1994). Influence of Yucca schidigera extract on ruminal ammonia concentrations and ruminal microorganisms. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 60(6), 1762-1767.
- Colina J.J., Lewis A.J., Miller P.S., Fischer R.L. (2001). Dietary manipulation to reduce aerial ammonia concentrations in nursery pig facilities. Journal of Animal Science, 79(12), 3096-3103.
Indicative bibliography drawn from the published literature, to be checked and completed by Actifeed before publication. No data are presented as results of an Actifeed trial.
See also: Quillaja saponaria, a cousin of yucca in a sense, also sought after for its richness in saponins, but with a profile that shows notable differences.