According to Dr. Richard Kirkland, global technical manager at Borak Wilmar (VW), the long-term success is a result of the company remaining at the forefront of feed fat research and developing proven feed solutions for dairy farmers. That's what it means.
“Fat is one of the key macronutrients in dairy production, and considerable research into animal requirements has been conducted over several decades,” Dr. Kirkland said.
“However, it was clear that adding high concentrations of oil or high-fat ingredients to the feed had a negative effect on fiber digestibility and milk fat.”
Calcium salt technology, developed by Professor Don Palmquist's lab at The Ohio State University in the United States, combines fatty acids and calcium to produce a rumen-insoluble supplement.
Using this technology, Megalac is the first calcium salt rumen-protected feed fat supplement that allows dairy farmers to take advantage of fat's energy density without compromising rumen function and fiber digestibility. Commercialized by Volac.
Megalac has become a well-known name in world dairy production and is raised on dairy farms on every continent and in every major dairy country of the world.
Dr Kirkland said market growth has been driven by extensive independent research by universities and VW and its partners.
“A breakthrough area of research is the discovery that specific fatty acids influence multiple areas of cow production, including nutrient partitioning, body condition, fertility, milk fat, and milk yield,” he said. .
Oleic acid (C18:1) helps distribute nutrients to body fat stores, reducing deconditioning during the critical early stages of lactation.
This fatty acid can also increase fertility by increasing the digestibility of total fat and improving egg and embryo development.
Palmitic acid (C16:0) is particularly beneficial for improving milk fat production and yield, but research shows that increased production early in lactation with C16:0 supplementation may lead to further conditioning and weight loss. Care must be taken, as this may result in sacrifice. Take to provide high levels of C16:0 throughout early lactation.
Dr. Kirkland said VW continues to invest in fat nutrition research, and new areas are underway to explore the benefits of rumen-protecting fats in reducing methane production.
“VW continues to invest in understanding the impact of fatty acids in ruminant diets to help farmers optimize on-farm production while overcoming new challenges,” he said.
