ISSUE FOCUS 46 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE February 2024 Production of BCVFAs is an inefficient process as it requires a significant supply of expensive RDP and, when feed passage rates are high as often observed in high producing cows (with higher intake), much of the RDP is not available to the rumen bacteria to complete proteolysis due to shorter rumen residence time. Failure to provide an adequate supply of BCVFAs may reduce microbial protein yield and fiber digestion, since limiting the availability of BCVFAs will also limit the growth of the fiber digesters. This ultimately results in poor nitrogen efficiency, inadequate microbial protein production and poorer utilization of forage. THE SOLUTION: DIRECT SUPPLEMENTATION WITH BCVFAs Direct supplementation with BCVFAs using Zinpro® IsoFerm®, versus relying solely on RDP, is beneficial. Zinpro IsoFerm is a unique blend of BCVFAs proven to significantly enhance rumen function by directly feeding fiber-digesting microbes. Multiple studies have shown the positive benefits of supplementing lactating dairy cattle diets with BCVFAs. As shown on the right-hand side of the rumen in Figure: 1, Zinpro IsoFerm precisely feeds the fiber-digesting bacteria, skipping steps and making the proteolysis process more efficient, thereby increasing fiber digestibility. Doing so can help fill the gap of required nutrients that exists when dietary conditions limit the natural production of BCVFAs. To see how this process works, watch this video. By directly fueling the rumen, it can result in an increase in energy corrected milk, a reduction "By directly fueling the rumen, it can result in an increase in energy corrected milk, a reduction in dry matter intake and feed efficiency gains. The improvement in feed efficiency enables cows to produce more with fewer inputs. Ultimately, this leads to better nutrient utilization, enhanced on-farm and environmental sustainability and greater profit potential. This improves the sustainability of producers’ operations, makes the most of the ration investment and supports cows to be more profitable and productive."
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUxNjkxNQ==