UFAC Blog | Essential oils will help fertility | UFAC UK

Essential oils will help fertility

Published 26 March 2015 Back to News
You will need fresh calved cows to make the most of improving milk prices, and this means you need to focus on fertility now, according to David Turnbull from UFAC UK.

Essential oils will help fertility

You will need fresh calved cows to make the most of improving milk prices, and this means you need to focus on fertility now, according to David Turnbull from UFAC UK.

“You want the herd to be firing on all cylinders when prices start to pick up so you need to make sure they are getting in calf quickly,” David comments. “We know that many cows hold to service initially but fail to conceive, leading to extended calving intervals and long inter- service intervals.

“The problem is one of increased embryo loss with embryos failing to implant in the uterus. Supplementing the diet with essential fatty acids from marine sources is proven to reduce embryo loss and increase pregnancy rates.”

David explains that the long chain omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA which are found in high quantities in marine oil increase the production of progesterone, the hormone responsible for embryo implantation. This increases the number of embryos that successfully implant, reducing embryo loss, increasing the number of cows getting in calf and in so doing reducing semen costs. By increasing progesterone levels they also encourage stronger bulling behaviour, making heat detection more effective.

“There are many sources of omega-3 oils on the market but to get the best results you need to make sure you feed them from fish oils and not from plant sources such as linseed. The research clearly shows that marine- derived omega-3s are used more effectively by dairy cows.
“Adding rumen inert fish oils to your diets now can have a big impact on fertility and that will be very good news as and when prices rise again.”

Related Stories

mycotoxins

Mitigate mycotoxin risk in the dairy herd to avoid performance shortfalls

Production drops, compromised performance and negative impact on fertility likely when consuming mycotoxin-contaminated feed

By UFAC in Latest News

UFAC-UK appoints Dirk Van Kessel as new European Development Manager

Dirk Van Kessel joins UFAC-UK in a new position created to build on upcoming and existing market opportunities across Europe

By UFAC in Latest News

Sunset image with cows standing in a field

Minimising the effects of cold stress on your herd

Dairy cows not only have the potential to experience heat stress but can also be affected by the cold. Fortunately, there are ways to minimise the effects of cold stress on your herd this Winter.

By UFAC in Latest News

Neil Baker's Farm

Reducing the farm carbon footprint while meeting contract requirements

A palm-free diet sees yield improvements and components maintained for Arla regenerative pilot farm

By UFAC in Latest News

News

Stay up to date with our latest news & product updates
mycotoxins

Mitigate mycotoxin risk in the dairy herd to avoid performance shortfalls

Published 13 November 2023



UFAC-UK appoints Dirk Van Kessel as new European Development Manager

Published 1 November 2023

Sunset image with cows standing in a field

Minimising the effects of cold stress on your herd

Published 27 October 2023

Neil Baker's Farm

Reducing the farm carbon footprint while meeting contract requirements

Published 29 September 2023

maize crops

The role of Mycotoxins in the health and performance of agricultural livestock

Published 28 September 2023

cows eating hay

Palm-free fat supplement achieves greater environmental impact and increases farming sector sustainability

Published 19 September 2023

Cow looking at the camera

UFAC feed supplements proven to support freshly calved cows and improve overall production, health and fertility

Published



UFAC-UK unveils new major mill upgrades

Published 12 July 2023



Oil fatty acid content key to maximising butterfats this spring and summer

Published 15 June 2023



UFAC-UK appoints David Turnbull as new National Sales Manager

Published 28 April 2023