Advertorial – Volac
The efficacy of RumiBio stems not only from its essential oil composition but also its double coating. This innovative feature ensures gradual release of essential oils in the rumen post-absorption. This sustained release mechanism maintains product activity in the rumen for approximately 8 hours.
European Technical Business Manager
Volac
RumiBio comprises a unique blend of three essential oils designed to inhibit lactic acid accumulation. By reducing the influx of lactic acid into the rumen, RumiBio prevents rumen acidosis at its source—the lactic acid-producing bacteria. Furthermore, it promotes the activity of bacteria capable of converting lactic acid into propionic acid, thereby enhancing milk production and reducing methane emissions.
Unlike traditional buffers like sodium bicarbonate and magnesium oxide, which focus on neutralizing lactic acid, RumiBio specifically targets lactic acid-forming bacteria, thereby lowering rumen pH.
ENHANCED DIGESTION
In this less acidic environment, essential fiber-digesting bacteria thrive, enhancing the breakdown of roughage. This enables cows to better utilize nutrients and reduces the presence of undigested feed particles in manure.
GRADUAL RELEASE
The efficacy of RumiBio stems not only from its essential oil composition but also its double coating. This innovative feature ensures gradual release of essential oils in the rumen post-absorption. This sustained release mechanism maintains product activity in the rumen for approximately 8 hours.
PROMOTION OF PROPIONIC ACID
RumiBio includes a yeast-based prebiotic that stimulates rumen bacteria to convert more lactic acid into propionic acid. This volatile fatty acid is utilized by cows to produce milk rather than lactic acid, increasing energy extraction from feed for enhanced milk production and reduced methane emissions.
AFTER-EFFECT
The effectiveness of RumiBio revolves around fostering a healthier rumen flora by limiting lactic acid-forming bacteria. Once the rumen flora is balanced, it takes time for lactic acid-forming bacteria to reestablish themselves, resulting in a visible after-effect once RumiBio supplementation ceases.
FIELD TRIAL
After eight years of laboratory and field development and testing, field trials for RumiBio were recently conducted on dairy farms globally to evaluate its performance under practical conditions.
One of the farms selected for these trials is the dairy farm of Jacob Jacobi in Westhem, Friesland, Netherlands. This farm houses 130 dairy cows divided into two equal groups. Both groups are milked using Lely milking robots, facilitating extensive data collection. The trial was conducted in collaboration with feed supplier Hoogland B.V., chosen due to rumen acidosis issues exacerbated by a fast ration rich in sugars and lacking in structure.
TWO COMPARABLE GROUPS
The field trial compared a RumiBio group (Robot 1) and a control group (Robot 2). Both groups started with cows of similar average lactation and days in milk. They received identical rations mixed with grass silage, decorticated wheat, a small amount of maize, and a premix. The RumiBio group received 50 grams of RumiBio daily via the mineral mix in Robot 1 from December 1, 2023, to January 23, 2024. The control group did not receive RumiBio.
TRIAL RESULTS
The RumiBio group demonstrated significant improvement compared to the control group. Results were analyzed in two phases. Often, similar products show short-term effects that diminish after 28 days. However, RumiBio’s trial results indicate a sustained positive impact even after 28 days on milk production.
Post-trial, the RumiBio group maintained higher milk production levels than before the trial commenced. This reflects the product’s after-effect. The trial period allowed the rumen environment to recover, thereby sustaining improvements in milk production even after cessation of RumiBio supplementation.
INTRODUCTION RUMIBIO AT EUROTIER
Volac will launch RumiBio at EuroTier in Hanover this autumn, making it available to dairy farmers thereafter. Consult with your feed advisor to determine its suitability for your farm and feeding strategies. For more information on RumiBio or any queries prior to the launch, check out our website or contact Paul Fransen.
About Paul Fransen
Paul Fransen is the European Technical Business Manager for Volac. With nearly 30 years in the feed industry, Fransen worked in 30 countries with a focus on young animal nutrition of piglets, calves & lambs, and dairy and beef ruminants.
