Why Feed Fats? 5 Big Takeaways from the Series
Whether you followed every episode or are just catching up, here are the key takeaways from the series that every dairy farmer should know about feeding fats.
Last month, we wrapped up Why Feed Fats, a five-part video series exploring the role of fat supplements in dairy cow nutrition. Each episode tackled the everyday challenges you deal with on the farm, whether managing heat stress in hot weather or improving milk yields to maximise your return on investment.
Throughout the series, our host Dr. Richard Kirkland, walked us through the challenges that fat supplements help to solve on dairy farms, offering practical advice for feeding fats and explaining the decades of scientific research behind rumen-protected fat supplements and their origin with the development of calcium salt technology.
Now that Why Feed Fats has concluded, take a look back with us at 5 standout moments from the series that can help you to make more informed decisions when feeding fats to your dairy cows.
1. Fat is the most energy-dense nutrient in the ration
The series opener introduced the role of fat supplements on the farm, examining why fat is such a valuable part of the dairy ration. With more than twice the energy of other nutrient sources, fat is the most energy-dense nutrient you can feed. This makes it especially useful in early lactation when cows struggle to eat enough to meet demand.
Dr. Richard Kirkland explained the science behind rumen-protected fats and how calcium salt technology allows fat to pass through the rumen and reach the small intestine, where it’s absorbed more efficiently. Unlike liquid oils, which can disrupt rumen function and fibre digestion, calcium salts deliver the energy cows need without compromising rumen health. The result is a more efficient use of energy that helps support milk production and body condition.
Catch up on Episode 1: An Introduction to Feed Fats and Fatty Acids on the Farm below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymRiQtNyZ8U&list=PLJuSLPezHX6WCakhLeOUkGGznd0ipdhDq&index=15
2. Fat supplements can help reduce the risk of heat stress
In episode 2, we learned about the significant impact that heat stress has on the health and productivity of dairy cows. Dr. Richard Kirkland was joined by John Newbold, Professor of Dairy Nutrition at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), who shared why heat stress is becoming more common and the steps you can take to prevent it.
As Richard explained, one of the most effective ways to support your cows in hot weather is to rethink where their energy comes from. Unlike other sources of nutrients, fats provide energy without generating additional internal heat during digestion. That makes fat supplements a 'cool’ nutrient to feed during warmer months. They allow you to maintain energy supply even when dry matter intake falls, helping you protect milk yields and keep performance on track.
Catch up on Episode 2: Heat stress and its impact, and the 'cool' nutrient below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMKnenpSuTU&list=PLJuSLPezHX6WCakhLeOUkGGznd0ipdhDq&index=12
3. The type of fat you feed affects the properties of the milk your cows produce
Episode 3 explored how different rumen-protected fat supplements can not only influence how much milk your cows produce but the properties of milk and its suitability for different processing applications. Depending on your milk contract or your herd’s stage of lactation, certain fatty acid profiles may offer a better return on investment and provide milk more suited to the end application.
As Dr. Richard Kirkland explained, fats that are high in C16:0 (palmitic acid) are particularly effective at boosting milk fat percentages. This makes them a useful option for farmers targeting higher butterfat levels. On the other hand, feeding more balanced blends that include C18:1 (oleic acid) may be better suited to increasing total milk yield or improving body condition. Different blends of these fatty acids should be considered to meet the needs of the end milk processor as they can influence hardness of cheese and butter, or ability of milk to froth when used in coffee.
By understanding the effects of different fatty acid blends, you can tailor your feeding strategy to match your herd’s requirements and your farm goals.
Catch up on Episode 3: Different fats for different milk applications below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hbkj84U6c5I&list=PLJuSLPezHX6WCakhLeOUkGGznd0ipdhDq&index=9
4. Fat supplements can improve efficiency and reduce methane emissions
Methane emissions are a hot topic amongst the dairy farming community. At Volac Wilmar, we believe that any effort to reduce emissions should go hand in hand with maintaining cow health and improving performance, not come at the cost of it.
In episode 4, Dr. Richard Kirkland discussed groundbreaking research that has proven the additional benefits of rumen-protected fats for reducing methane emissions. One notable study demonstrated that when Megalac was added to the diet of lactating dairy cows, it resulted in a 13.3% reduction in methane production per litre of milk. This was achieved by replacing fermentable corn with Megalac, which not only reduced methane emissions but also increased milk yield by 2.1 kg per day.
Even if emissions targets aren’t a key concern on your farm, feeding rumen-protected fat supplements like Megalac can support your core priorities, including improving milk yields, fertility and overall herd performance. As an added bonus, the improved efficiency also contributes to a reduction in enteric methane emissions, helping you run a more productive and sustainable system.
Catch up on Episode 4: Rumen Protected-Fats and Methane Reduction below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dqpmDk9ZUo&list=PLJuSLPezHX6WCakhLeOUkGGznd0ipdhDq&index=6
5. You can now calculate your ROI from feeding fats using your farm data
In the final episode of the series, Dr. Richard Kirkland was joined by Paul Fransen to explore the financial implications of feeding fats. Paul introduced the ROI Calculator 2.0 for Fat Supplements, a unique tool backed by decades of dedicated research from dairy nutrition experts, designed to help you calculate the return on investment you can expect when feeding different types and amounts of rumen-protected fat supplements.
If fat levels in the ration are too low, cows have less energy available for key functions like milk production and fertility, which can have a negative impact on your margin. Until recently, it’s been difficult to measure this in practice, but with the ROI Calculator 2.0, you can use your own farm data to show exactly how feeding fat supplements will impact your profitability and return on investment.
When margins are tight, every input must earn its keep. This episode showed how, when used strategically, fat supplements can deliver a return that makes the investment worthwhile.
Catch up on Episode 5: ROI Calculator 2.0 for Fat Supplements: Optimising Dairy Cow Productivity below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ON4RvKXcHWc&list=PLJuSLPezHX6WCakhLeOUkGGznd0ipdhDq&index=3
Final thoughts
The Why Feed Fats series set out to answer some of the most common questions around feeding fat supplements on dairy farms. Over five short episodes, the series explored how and when to feed fats, the effects of different fatty acid blends and the impact that rumen-protected fat supplements like Megalac can have on dairy cow performance.
When you feed fats, you’re not just adding energy to the ration, you’re ensuring that your cows are getting the right type of energy in the most effective way to help you meet production targets, support herd health and run a more efficient dairy system overall.
If you missed an episode or want to revisit a particular topic, the full series is available to watch on the Volac Wilmar YouTube channel. Ready to take the next step? Get in touch with the Megalac team to talk through your goals and receive tailored advice for which fat to feed on your farm.