ISSUE FOCUS 26 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE March 2025 “Rumen-protected choline is a required nutrient for essentially every cow and can be a catalyst for improved dairy performance and profitability. The consistent results observed in milk and colostrum production underscore its value as a musthave component in transition cow nutrition, irrespective of cow health status, body condition score or milk production level.” Choline is essentially a required nutrient for all dairy cows, with proven benefits on metabolic health, milk production, colostrum yield, and calf vitality. It offers a proven solution to help cows transition smoothly and boost productivity. Discover how this innovation benefits both herds and profitability. Choline has long been recognized as a critical nutrient for dairy cows, particularly during the challenging transition period. However, its inherent instability in the rumen posed limitations until advancements in encapsulation technology made rumen-protected choline widely available. This breakthrough ensures choline is delivered effectively to the small intestine, unlocking its full potential. Studies consistently demonstrate that supplementing cows with rumen-protected choline leads to remarkable improvements in milk yield. Across numerous trials, dairy cows experienced an average increase of 2,3 kilograms of milk per day during lactation when supplemented with ReaShure® (Balchem Corporation, Montvale). This boost in production is not only immediate but also sustained, resulting in approximately 700 kilograms more milk per cow over a standard 305-day lactation period (Figure 1). Such findings highlight the indispensable role of choline in maximizing the productivity of modern dairy herds. Another compelling benefit is the dramatic increase in colostrum yield. Colostrum, the first milk produced after calving, is vital for calf health, providing essential immunity and nutrients. High-quality colostrum is often in short supply on many dairies. Recent research from multiple universities shows that supplementing cows with ReaShure-XC during the close-up period can increase colostrum production. RESEARCH-BACKED EVIDENCE The wealth of scientific data supporting rumen-protected choline is unparalleled. Over 25 peer-reviewed university studies have consistently validated its efficacy. Notably, ReaShure® (Balchem Corporation, Montvale, NJ) was the product used in these trials, serving as a reliable benchmark for research outcomes. BOOST DAIRY PERFORMANCE WITH RUMEN-PROTECTED CHOLINE Sion Richards Ruminant Technical Services Manager EMEA Balchem ANH
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