NEWS 8 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE December 2025 Feeding rumen-protected fats through the winter provides a concentrated, rumen-safe energy source that supports milk production, body condition, fertility and milk composition when bulky silage rations can limit energy intake. As dairy producers transition into winter feeding, Volac Wilmar Feed Ingredients highlights rumen-protected fats as being essential to maintaining energy balance in rations without risking acidosis issues from excessive amounts of cereals. “With grass and maize silages forming the base of most diets, achieving the energy density required to sustain milk production and fertility can be difficult,” explains Dr. Richard Kirkland, Global Technical Manager for Volac Wilmar Feed Ingredients. Research shows that dairy cows require 15–20% of their total metabolisable energy (ME) from fat. For high-yielding cows, this is typically around 6% of the ration's dry matter (DM). While forages and concentrates provide some of this, supplementation with rumen-protected fats allows producers to reach optimal levels safely, without compromising rumen health. According to Dr. Kirkland, rumen-protected fat supplements are the ideal vehicle to deliver this energy supply while avoiding disruption of rumen function. Carrying 2.5-times the energy density of cereals, the Megalac product delivers around 33 megajoules (MJ) of ME per kilogram of DM. Read more>> Rumen-protected fats boost cow performance in winter Photo: Volac-Wilmar Biochem, an innovative animal nutrition company specializing in feed additives and dietary supplements, and BASF, a pioneer in the animal nutrition and feed ingredients markets, entered into a binding agreement on Biochem’s acquisition of BASF's global glycinate business. Biochem states that this strategic acquisition reinforces its role as a pioneer in high-performance organic trace minerals (OTMs) since 1992 and broadens its global market presence. By acquiring this business, Biochem gains enhanced market access and a well-established network of distribution partners from BASF, guaranteeing a seamless transition for all customers worldwide. Following BASF’s recent announcement to explore strategic options for its feed enzyme business, for BASF, this divestiture represents another step in refining the portfolio toward core ingredients for human and animal nutrition. While the review of strategic options for the feed enzyme business is still underway, the company remains fully committed to supporting customers and advancing the business— driving growth and innovation throughout this transition. The glycinate portfolios of both companies are highlighted as sharing a strong, science-backed value proposition, focused on delivering superior results for animal producers, namely: • Improved Animal Performance: The high bioavailability of glycinates ensures better mineral absorption, which directly supports animal health, immunity, and growth. • Environmental Sustainability: Using highly efficient minerals reduces the excretion of key trace elements like zinc and copper into the environment, helping producers meet increasingly strict regulations. Read more>> Biochem signs agreement for BASF’s glycinate business Photo: Biochem
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