Four things to look for in a fat supplement

For many years, nutritionists have been developing and balancing rations for cows at all stages of lactation with several key components including energy, protein, fat and fiber. Each of these ingredients plays a critical role throughout the cow’s lactation in helping her achieve optimal performance and maintain body condition.

Historically, fat was added to dairy cow diets mainly to increase the energy density of the ration. Researchers have since gained a better understanding of the role specific fatty acids, including palmitic (C16:0) and stearic (C18:0), can have on a cow’s milk production, milk components and energy metabolism.

The importance of fat

Fat is an essential nutrient in a cow's diet. Balancing dietary fat is not only important for increasing milk volume and milk fat, but it also plays a critical role in supporting intake and retaining body reserves to support sustained performance throughout her entire lactation cycle.

What to look for in a fat supplement

It’s all about balance

In general, increasing milk fat by feeding only palmitic acid is an accepted way to increase income potential. However, by feeding a balanced, research-proven blend of palmitic and stearic fatty acids like PROPEL® Energy Plus Balance supplement, producers can see a more significant increase in their overall milk production, milk components and profitability. See graph.

To learn more about how optimal milk volume and fat are key to your operation’s success, contact your local Purina representative to understand how your herd can benefit from PROPEL® Energy Plus Balance supplement.

PROPEL is a registered trademark of Purina Animal Nutrition LLC. Because of factors outside of Purina Animal Nutrition LLC’s control, individual results to be obtained, including but not limited to: financial performance, animal condition, health or performance cannot be predicted or guaranteed by Purina Animal Nutrition LLC.