Galaxy: Boost fertility and milk yield | UFAC UK

Galaxy: Boost fertility and milk yield

Published 1 April 2014 Back to News
Improving fertility is an important objective on all dairy farms. New research shows that feeding long- chain Ω-3 fatty acids can give fertility a boost.

Galaxy: Boost fertility and milk yield

Improving fertility is an important objective on all dairy farms. New research shows that feeding long- chain Ω-3 fatty acids can give fertility a boost.

Silvestre (J. Dairy Sci. 94:189-204) compared embryo retention when cows were fed different fats in transition and early lactation (e.g. in graph, SAT – Ω-3 means saturated fats in transition, then Ω-3 in early lactation). The graph shows feeding Ω-3 fatty acids significantly reduces the number of pregnancies lost. The long-chain Ω-3 fatty acids increase production of progesterone and reduce prostaglandin f2α, improving embryo implantation and reducing the loss of fertilised eggs.

Galaxy from UFAC UK is based on fish oils, containing high levels of long-chain Ω-3 fatty acids. A trial on a 9000 litre herd in Gloucestershire showed clearly that Galaxy improved fertility and maintained milking performance when compared to an alternative fat product.

Golden Flake GALAXY
Yield/litres  28.9 29.6
Days in milk 189 186
Butterfat % 3.64 3.70
Protein % 3.16 3.13

Yields were boosted and, importantly, butterfat levels were maintained. Concern is occasionally expressed that fish oil reduces butterfats. However, the effective rumen-inert matrix pioneered by UFAC UK prevents this happening.

The information collected on fertility showed that Galaxy improved reproductive efficiency. Increasing the number of cows holding to first service reduced both days open and the number of straws used. An estimate for this farm put potential savings at £80 per cow.

Golden Flake GALAXY
Held to 1st service 16% 50%
Held to 2nd service 50% 17%
Held to 3rd service 0 17%
Still not in calf  34% 16%

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