THE EFFECTS OF LIMITED AMOUNTS OF PROTECTED FAT IN HIGH-YIELDING COWS

A two year field study was conducted in one veterinary practice in the district of the Wesermarsch to determine the effects of a daily supplementation of 300-400 g of Ca-soaps of palm oil fatty acids on the health and productivity of 783 cows. Milk yield increased moderately and the fat content either remained unaltered or was slightly reduced. Milk protein was unaffected as a result of the small dose used. At the end of the trial, 14 of the 15 farmers taking part in the study intended to continue the supplementation. The positive effects for health, skin and hair together with the reduced weight loss in lactation and productivity were stressed. The supplementation also resulted in increases in the concentrations of blood lipids, free fatty acids, cholesterol and high density lipoproteins. Biochemical parameters, including B-hydroxybutyrate and a selection of liver enzymes, indicative of liver dysfunction, were essentially unchanged.