At a glance: Biohydrogenation is a natural process in the rumen in which unsaturated fatty acids are converted into saturated fatty acids by microorganisms. This process directly influences milk fat composition and thus energy distribution in the animal.
What Is Biohydrogenation?
Billions of microorganisms live in the rumen of ruminants, modifying ingested fats. Unsaturated fatty acids from feed are gradually enriched with hydrogen—they are “hydrogenated.” This process is called biohydrogenation.
The result: Polyunsaturated fatty acids (such as linoleic acid) first form intermediate products—including conjugated linoleic acids (CLA)—and ultimately saturated fatty acids such as stearic acid.
Impact on Milk Fat Composition
The fatty acids formed in the rumen enter the bloodstream via the small intestine and are used in the mammary gland for milk fat synthesis. Biohydrogenation therefore largely determines which fatty acids are available for milk fat formation.
Certain intermediate products of biohydrogenation—particularly trans-10, cis-12 CLA—directly inhibit the enzymes of milk fat synthesis. When these isomers reach the mammary gland in sufficient quantities, milk fat content decreases.
Why Rumen-Protected CLA?
When CLA is supplied via feed, it is itself subject to biohydrogenation in the rumen. It is further converted by microorganisms before reaching the small intestine. Its effect is thereby largely lost.
Rumen-protected CLA—such as in BEWI-FATRIX® CLA—bypasses this process. The fat matrix protects the CLA isomers from microbial degradation in the rumen. Only in the small intestine are they released and able to exert their targeted effect on milk fat synthesis.
Effects on Performance and Fertility
Through targeted inhibition of milk fat synthesis, energy is released that becomes available to the animal for other metabolic processes. Particularly in early lactation—when the negative energy balance is most severe—fertility and recovery benefit.
Milk yield remains unchanged. Only the fat content decreases in a controlled manner—a targeted intervention in energy distribution without impairing overall performance.
Conclusion
Biohydrogenation is a key process for milk fat composition. Understanding this mechanism enables targeted intervention—with rumen-protected CLA that passes through the rumen unchanged and fulfills its function only at the site of action.
