Targeted control of milk fat content with CLA – more energy for performance and fertility
An insufficient energy supply is one of the main causes of reduced fertility and a reduced productive life in high-yielding dairy cows – not the high milk yield itself. Especially at the beginning of lactation and in the first third of lactation, a needs-based energy supply is essential. Only if sufficient energy is available can the cow maintain health and fertility as well as milk production.
A lack of energy has a direct effect on fertility.
Possible consequences are:
- Weak or barely recognisable oestrus symptoms
- Delayed regeneration of the ovaries
- Extended calving intervals
- Increased risk of early culling from the herd
The energy demand depends on the milk fat content
The energy demand of a dairy cow depends not only on the amount of milk produced, but also to a large extent on the milk fat content. A higher fat content in the milk also means a significantly higher energy expenditure – leaving the metabolism with less energy for other metabolic processes.
Figure: Energy demand per kg of milk (MJ ME, GfE 2023) as a function of milk fat content
Where does the milk fat come from?
Milk fat comes from two main sources: Half of the C16:0 (palmitic acid) and the C18 fatty acids do not come from the cow’s own metabolism, but directly from the feed ration or the mobilisation of body fat.
Fatty acids up to a length of 16 carbon atoms (C16:0) are synthesised by the dairy cow itself via so-called de novo synthesis. This process mainly takes place in the udder and utilises precursors such as acetate (acetic acid) and beta-hydroxybutyrate (butyric acid), which are produced in the rumen during the microbial digestion of feed.
CLA – targeted control of milk fat synthesis
Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) are a special form of unsaturated fatty acids with two double bonds (C18:2, linoleic acid) that differ in the position of the double bonds to each other. The cis-9-trans-11 CLA has no effect on milk fat synthesis, but even small amounts of trans-10, cis-12 CLA inhibit the formation of new milk fat in the udder.
This targeted inhibition reduces the milk fat content, while the precursor acetate is increasingly available for energy metabolism. Studies have shown, among other things, that the administration of CLA:
- an increased blood glucose level,
- increased lactose synthesis,
- a higher quantity of milk.
The double effect – less milk fat, more milk – has been extensively documented in the literature.
CLA supports fertility
The reduction in milk fat content through CLA leads to an improved energy balance of the cow – a decisive factor for reproductive performance. This is because the energy saved is available to the metabolism, especially the reproductive organs.
Extensive studies from the USA, the UK and the Netherlands clearly demonstrate the positive effect of CLA on fertility (de Veth et al., 2009).
Figure: Correlation between CLA and the probability of pregnancy
CLA feeding has a positive effect on fertility. A pregnancy rate of 50 % could be achieved significantly faster by administering CLA and on the 110th day of lactation a significantly higher proportion of cows were already pregnant again.
Our recommendation: BEWI-FATRIX® CLA – special energy concentrate for fertility and performance
BEWI-FATRIX® CLA is a rumen-protected fat powder with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) for dairy cows. Targeted amounts of trans-10, cis-12 CLA enable conscious control of the milk fat content – with positive effects on metabolism and fertility without disturbing the rumen microbes.
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