ISSUE FOCUS 48 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE November 2023 New research on fatty acids, revealed at Trouw Nutrition 3rd LifeStart Calf Symposium, sheds light on how fatty acids in milk fat act as bioactive agents, sending signals that trigger gut development, help avoid common digestive challenges, and increase feed intake. A MAJOR DISCOVERY IN THE SCIENCE OF FATTY ACIDS A major discovery in the science of fatty acids has led to the development of a technology that meets calves’ nutritional requirements while also nurturing ruminant health, supporting physiological development, and enhancing calf care on the farm. The discovery was unveiled during the 3rd LifeStart Symposium co-hosted by Trouw Nutrition, the livestock feed business of Nutreco, and the University of Nottingham School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, 17-18 October in Nottingham, England. The new technology allows for milk replacers to be formulated in a way that more closely resembles bovine milk, compared to milk replacers traditionally based on available dairy industry bioproducts. As imbalances in the nutrient profile of conventional milk replacers may disturb the metabolic homeostasis of newborn calves, dietary components such as minerals, the osmolality, and fatty acid profile of milk must be managed with care to nurture the calf. With these challenges in mind, scientists studied the role that fatty acids and milk components such as minerals, lactose and protein play in supporting calf health and development. The research findings shed light on how fatty acids in milk fat act as bioactive agents, sending signals that trigger gut development, help avoid common digestive challenges, and increase feed intake. Findings showing how the composition of milk fat and the macronutrient profile of milk drive metabolic processes in young ruminants led to the development of a technology that closely mimics the composition of whole bovine milk. Benefits of providing a milk replacer that comes closer to nature include enhanced calf health and growth, reduced age to first calving, increased milk production, and fewer replacement calves required to maintain herd size. MILK COMPOSITION INSIGHTS LEAD TO A PARADIGM SHIFT IN CALF FEEDING Researchers’ discovery of the role that milk fat plays in supporting calves’ metabolic processes, organ and tissue development, and bodyweight gain makes a compelling case for transitioning away from conventional calf feeding strategies that seek to encourage earlier starter feed intake. Research findings further show that the composition of nutrients is a critical factor in nurturing By Trouw Nutrition
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