Rhodotorula Yeast Culture Improved the Antioxidant Capacity, Lipid Metabolism, and Immunity of Sheep Livers

There is currently no research on the application evaluation of <i>R</i>. <i>mucilaginosa</i> yeast culture (RYC) in animal production. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of RYC on the antioxidant capacity, lipid metabolism, and immunity of sheep livers. Twenty-four 3-month-old Duhan male sheep (36 ± 4 kg) were divided into four groups. The control group received a basal diet, the L group received a basal diet + 10 g/sheep/day RYC, the M group received a basal diet + 20 g/sheep/day RYC, and the H group received a basal diet + 40 g/sheep/day RYC. The trial lasted for 75 days. The results showed that the content of glutathione peroxidase in the livers of sheep in group M was significantly increased by 26.6%, and the content of malondialdehyde was significantly decreased by 38% (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Additionally, the serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol significantly decreased; the liver content of C16:0 decreased; and the levels of C18:2n6C and C20:1 increased (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Furthermore, the contents of cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ in sheep livers from the M group were also significantly decreased by 20% and 24.8%, respectively (<i>p</i> < 0.05). These findings suggest that supplementation with 20 g/sheep/day RYC can enhance antioxidant capacity, improve lipid metabolism, and reduce inflammation in sheep livers, which is advantageous for farming healthy sheep.