tired yeast?

[croc4]

Can yeast become fatigued or tired?

My last batch had OG of 1.052 and after secondary (1 wk pri, 1 wk sec) I only had a FG of 1.032 this seems far too high, I expected to end around 1.018 or so. I went a head and kegged it, I figured if it is still fermenting then I can always release some pressure with the keg. Plus since this is the first time I have kegged, so a sacrificial batch may be needed ;-/.


So does yeast become less attenuative the more generations you make?, The yeast I used I havested from a previous batch, then made a started a day or so before using it.
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[S.F.B.]

I have found that 2nd and 3rd generation yeast is actually more vigorous. I usually get about the same as far as attenuation.

[brewmonkey]

The problem with harvesting and repitching is that unless you have a the ability to plate it and check its viability your guess is as good as any as to what you are pitching.

Over time you will see a decrease in the characteristics of the yeast. It will stop attenuating as well as it did, it will stop dropping bright as quickly as it used to, etc...

As your yeast grows in generations it will develop some problems as the yeast mutates as well you will develop a "house" flavor if you continue to use the strain. Without the ability to check its viability and purity you will be playing with fire if you keep repitching.