Getting supplementation right improves dairy efficiency, performance and profitability

He says “You can’t just take energy values off the paper, we need to understand the true energy levels and balance with supplementary fats. We have certainly found, by using the palm-free fat supplement dynalac, it seemingly does better than it says on the tin.”

Mr Rowland has been using some form of supplementary fats for over 20 years, moving to a palm-free alternative fat supplement around 10 years ago. The unique combination of fatty acids in dynalac has increased the energy density of the diet at the dairy unit, while also helping to maintain body score and boost fertility.

Several factors determine the overall Metabolisable Energy (ME) that is available to the cow, including digestibility. At 27 MJ/kg DM, the more sustainable dynalac has the same energy as a calcium soap (NRC 2001), so it increases energy density of the diet, crucial for high-yielding dairy cows, especially in early lactation.

“The supplement also supplies C18:1 fatty acid, helping to reduce body condition loss, especially in early lactation. In addition, long chain omega 3 fatty acids help support fertility and also gives the immune system a boost,” explains Mr Chown.

Mr Rowland concludes, “Balancing energy sources in the diet is both helping me meet my environmental responsibilities and aims, while also improving performance. dynalac is a key component of an overall commitment on our unit to focus on efficiency and sustainability.”