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Are Essential Fatty Acids a Bottleneck to Reproduction? Elliot Block, Senior Principle Scientist ARM...

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Are Essential Fatty Acids a Bottleneck to Reproduction? Elliot Block, Senior Principle Scientist ARM & HAMMER ® Animal Nutrition 469 North Harrison St., Princeton, NJ 08543 [email protected]
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  • Are Essential Fatty Acids a Bottleneck to Reproduction? Elliot Block, Senior Principle ScientistARM & HAMMER Animal Nutrition469 North Harrison St., Princeton, NJ [email protected]

  • OutlineSummaryIntroductionWhy and WhatDescription of StudiesHerds, Cows, DietsResultsReproduction, Milk Production Health, EconomicsConclusions and Recommendations

  • ProteinFatAmino Acids Fatty Acids

  • ProteinFatAmino Acids

    Essential Amino AcidsRequired in the diet (cannot be made in the body) Fatty Acids

    Essential Fatty Acids - Required in the diet (cannot be madein the body)

  • Protein FatAmino Acids

    Essential Amino AcidsRequired in the dietMethionine, lysine, etc. (10 total) Fatty Acids

    Essential Fatty Acids - Required in the diet - Linoleic acid (18:2) - Linolenic acid (18:3)

    (only two)

  • Fat

    Crude Fat(Ether Extract)

    EnergyFat

    Fatty Acids

    Fermentation, Digestion,Energy Metabolic Effects

  • Milk Response to Rumen Active-Fat (Hypothetical Model)Milk Increase, lb/dAdded Fat, %0+-IIIIIIJenkins, 1998

  • Bypass Fat - Breaks the Fat BarrierMilk Increase, lb/dAdded Fat, %0+-IIIIIIJenkins, 1998MEGALAC

  • Information

    Jenkins and Chandler (September 25, 1998 Hoards Dairyman) recently published this fat-feeing model.

    The model predicts the effect of rumen-active fat on milk production. The standard model is shown in Figure 1.

    As fat increases in dairy rations, three phases exist. The first, referred to as Phase I, provides the first

    increment of fat that always increases milk production. The second increment (Phase II) does not increase

    nor decrease milk production. Phase III provides excess fat that causes milk production to decrease.

    Milk yield increases in Phase I because the diet energy increases from the added fat. In Phase II, the

    additional calories from added fat are offset by negative effects of the fat including reduced digestibility of the

    diet, reduced feed intake, poor digestibility of the fat supplement, and perhaps negative metabolic effects.

    In Phase III, these negative effects overcome the increased energy supply causing an overall decrease in milk

    output. Therefore, the maximum milk response occurs at the point where Phase I and Phase II meet.

    All fat sources follow this model but differ in the way that they affect each phase. Fats that are more unsaturated

    have a smaller phase I and phase II compared to saturated fats fed at the same level.

    To further refine the model, a number of diet factors were then examined to determine which factors correlated with

    milk response. The best predictor was the ratio of added unsaturated fatty acids to Neutral Detergent Fiber in the diet.

    To use this model requires information about the dairy ration including milk production, milk fat percent,

    Neutral Detergent Fiber, and fatty acids. The fatty acid values in the program come from the Hoard's Article.

    Whenever possible an actual fatty acid analysis should be gathered to avoid errors due to variation, however,

    the book values in the table give a general indication of the blend of fatty acids in the ration on milk production.

    ************

    either milk production, milk fat or protein, body or reproductive needs. It may not be nutritionally

    possible to receive full responses in all categories.

    Graphs

    MEGALAC Rumen By-Pass Fat allows dairy producers to "Break the Energy Barrier Breaker".

    The figure on the left shows Jenkins and Chandler's fat-feeding model. The figure on the right

    shows how MEGALAC provides additonal calories that are both rumen inert and highly digestible.

    Worksheet

    Fat Feeding Work Sheet - A Service of Church & Dwight Animal Nutrition Group

    Table 1. Fat source, unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) values, total

    fat, Lbs. fed and composition of rumen active fat source.

    180lbs milk per day

    23.7%% milk fatBlended UFA level64.1%% FA"Rumen Active"Lbs UFA

    349Lbs. dry matter intake per dayBlended % F. A. level23.5%inStart% ofCalculated

    464.06%% UFA in "rumen-active" fat (From Table 1)Fat Source% UFAIngred.LBSFedLBS

    523.5%% fatty acids in "rumen-active" fat (From Table 1)Tallow45%90%0.258%0.300.10125

    684.5%% fatty acids in MEGALACAnimal-Veg52%90%0.000%0.000

    72.66Lbs. of fatty acids that can be fedPoultry Fat61%90%0.000%0.000

    81.14Lbs. of fatty acids from basal ingredientsRestaurant Grease71%90%0.000%0.000

    91.52Lbs. of added fatty acids needed from feed stuffsWhole Cottonseed72%18%3.0092%3.600.3888

    10a30%Ration NDF levelWhole Soybeans85%17%0.000%0.000

    10b1.87%Max Percent "rumen active" fatCorn Distillers85%9%0.000%0.000

    110.92Max Lbs. "rumen active fat" that can be fedHominy85%16%0.000%0.000

    120.60Lbs. of Rumen Inert Fatty Acids that can be fed.Canola Oil90%90%0.000%0.000

    133.90Max Lbs. "rumen active" fat ingredients (based on ratioBakery90%10%0.000%0.000

    of fat in Table 1) that could be fed (according to article)Hominy85%7%0.000%0.000

    140.71Minimum Lbs. of MEGALAC that should be feduser input85%9%0.000%0.000

    Total3.25100%3.900.49005

    00.641

    Start LBS Less Than Maximum Fat Feeding Rates

    Basal Fat Acid %2.5%StartCalculated

    LBSLBS

    MEGALAC Fed0.000.71

    Spread Sheet Adapted from September 25,1998 Hoard's Dairyman Article by Jenkins & Chandler

    0.00%00

    Start with Table 1 to determine the ratio of rumen available fats. Enter the pounds of "rumen active" fats fed in the appropriate cell.

    Enter pounds of milk given by cow per day.

    Enter percent milk fat.

    Calculated based on the lbs. of unsaturated fatty acids contributed from each fatty acid source.

    Enter "Rumen Active" fatty acid sources with a %UFA greater than 40%

    Enter pounds of dry matter intake per day.

    Enter the current feeding rate of all free fat sources in lbs

    Based on the inputs in the blue cells the sheet calculates the maximum feeding rate of each fat.

    UFA = Unsaturated Fatty Acids calculated by completing Table 1.

    Is calculated by completing Table 1.

    Calculated by multiplying lbs. of milk per day by the percent milk fat x .9 to convert to FA basis (From Palmquist).

    Calculated by multiplying dry matter intake (minus lbs of rumen active fat) by input. Typical basal rates are 2.5%.

    Calculated by subtracting the lbs. of fatty acids from basal ingredients from the lbs. of fatty acids needed in the diet.(Subtract line 8 from line 7.)

    Enter percent of Neutral-detergent Fiber in ration.

    Calculated by multiplying the ration NDF by 4 and then dividing by the Blended UFA%in the fat supplement. Equation to calculate added "rumen active" fat was derived from trials that showed that ration fiber content and unsaturation of the fat source were the two most important factors affecting the milk response to the added "rumen active" fats. Once the level of "rumen active" fat is established, additional fat can be added if it is "rumen inert" and does not exceed the recommended amount of total added fat.

    Calculated by multiplying percent "Rumen active fat" (line 10b) by dry matter intake per day(line 3). If basal FA level greater than 2.5%, the difference is subtracted from Rumen active fat that can be fed.

    Calculated by subtracting lbs. "rumen active fat"(line 11) from lbs. of added fatty acids needed from feed stuffs(line 9).

    Calculated by dividing lbs. of "Rumen Active fat" (line 11) by percent fatty acids in "rumen active" fat(line 5).

    Enter any other fat source not listed here.

    Enter UFA value of other fat source here.

    Enter percent fat in other fat source here.

    Enter any other fat source not listed here.

    Enter UFA value of other fat source here.

    Enter percent fat in other fat source here.

    Calculated by dividing lbs. of rumen inert fat needed(line 12) by percent fatty acids in MEGALAC(line 6). This is the amount of MEGALAC needed for optimum fat level intake/use for the cow.

    Enter any other fat source not listed here.

    Enter UFA value of other fat source here.

    Enter percent fat in other fat source here.

    Typical basal fat levels are approx. 2.5%. If your diet has higher fat levels input here.

    Boxes in Blue are user inputs. Put the cursor over cells with a red triangle in the corner for more information.

  • Essential Fatty AcidsLinoleic (18:2)

    Linolenic (18:3)

  • Reproduction Research and FatStaples and Thatcher, University of FloridaReviewed Studies in 1997Feeding fat: Increased number and size of ovarian follicles Conception rate 17% greater (11 of 18 studies)Fat source most studied - MEGALAC Statistically improved pregnancy rates!Why??????????

  • Why:MEGALAC-R Essential Fatty Acids: A Source of Essential Fatty Acids

    These are lost in milk of high-producing cows Supplemental Essential Fatty Acids:Increase size of ovulating follicleImprove embryo survivalIncrease pregnanciesHave potential to improve health

  • Linoleic18:2 to 20:4(omega 6)

    Linolenic18:3 to 20:5 and 22:6(omega 3)

  • 20:4omega 6

    20:5omega 3

    22:6omega 3 PGE2PGF2

    PGE3PGF3

  • Lipid Bilayer

  • How much linoleic acid (18:2) does a cow secrete per day in milk?In milk, 2 to 6% of milk fat is 18:2

    100 lbs/day @ 3.5% fat and 4% 18:2 = 0.14 lbs/day 18:2 (64g/day)Assuming no other need for 18:2, this would be the requirementSince other cells in the body and other functions require linoleic acid (18:2), there is likely an additional requirement for 18:2 above this 64 g/day

  • Using the CPM fat sub-model simulating several (12) rations:DMI ranging from 22 to 29 kg/dayIngredients Alfalfa, Corn Silage (30:70 to 70:30)SBM (1-3.5 kg/d)Corn (6-9 kg/d)Fish meal (0-1 kg/d)MEGALAC (0-1 kg/d)Duodenal appearance of 18:2 ranged from 39 to 63 g/d vs. 64 g secreted

  • Effect of Long Chain Fatty Acids on Reproductive Tissues and Lactation Performance of Holstein CowsC.R. Staples et al. 2000

  • Early Lactation Study; Dairy Science Meetings, 2001Porcine meat/bone ml

  • Concentration of Plasma Proges-terone From HCG Until CL Regression

    *

    *

    *

    * P < 0.05

    SE = 0.4

  • CPM /CNCPS fat submodel comparison of fat sources to deliver EFA (ADSA Abstract 2002. Univ Penn.)

    Parameter

    Basal

    M

    MR

    EB

    T

    RSB

    WCS

    Fatty Acids

    Intake (g/d)

    500

    400

    400

    400

    400

    400

    400

    Rumen Escape (% )

    15

    54

    54

    0

    2

    16

    1

    Duodenum (g/d)

    659

    400

    400

    400

    400

    404

    404

    Absorbed (g/d)

    479

    327

    337

    291

    293

    298

    300

    Intest. Digestion (%)

    73

    82

    84

    73

    73

    74

    74

    C18:1trans

    Intake (g/d)

    0.1

    0.0

    0.0

    1.6

    5.2

    0.0

    0.0

    Duodenum (g/d)

    37.0

    2.3

    11.0

    1.9

    5.6

    39.7

    30.3

    Absorbed (g/d)

    29.0

    1.8

    9.1

    1.5

    4.4

    31.2

    23.8

    C18:2

    Intake (g/d)

    225

    28

    127

    7.2

    18.8

    230

    157

    Duodenum (g/d)

    58

    17

    77

    0.7

    2.2

    54

    12

    Absorbed (g/d)

    48

    17

    76

    0.6

    1.8

    43

    10

    C18:3

    Intake (g/d)

    23.9

    0.80

    18.81

    0.0

    33.9

    13.2

    1.60

    Duodenum (g/d)

    1.6

    0.46

    10.88

    0.0

    1.0

    2.5

    0.09

    Absorbed (g/d)

    1.1

    0.4

    9.32

    0.0

    0.8

    1.9

    0.06

  • Production trial at Miner Institute with MEGALAC-R Prototype ADSA Abst. 2001 (accepted J. Feed Anim Sci Tech.)

    Item

    Megalac

    Ca-Soy-fat

    SE

    P

    Item

    Megalac

    Ca-Soy-fat

    SE

    P

    Milk, kg

    43.3

    43.4

    2.87

    1.000

    Lactose, %

    4.83

    4.86

    0.04

    0.630

    Fat, %

    4.24

    4.22

    0.121

    0.909

    CP, %

    2.81

    2.88

    0.05

    0.332

    Milk FA1

    MUN2, mg/dL

    12.7

    11.5

    0.5

    0.078

    C18:1

    22.65

    21.78

    0.66

    0.366

    SCCx 1000

    266.9

    191.6

    80.3

    0.512

    C18:1t

    2.72

    3.27

    0.07

  • Calcium Salts of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Deliver More Essential Fatty Acids to the Lactating Dairy CowM.L. Theurer*1, M.A. McGuire1, E. Block2, W.K. Sanchez21University of Idaho, Moscow2ARM & HAMMER Animal Nutrition Group, Princeton, NJ

    Pacific Northwest Nutrition Conference 2002

  • Evaluate intake, milk production and milk composition effects of cows fed MEGALAC-R Essential Fatty Acids compared to those fed MEGALAC Rumen Bypass Fat. Research Objective

  • Experimental design and animals Three 14-d periods in a switchback design. Nineteen lactating Holstein cows (83 9 DIM) 12 days diet adaptation followed by 2 days of sample collection

    Dietary treatments Supplements added to basal diet and fed once/d, individually through Calan gatesBasal diet (DM Basis) consisted of 30% chopped alfalfa hay, 6% triticale silage, 9% whole cottonseed, 1.6% calcium salt supplement, 53% concentrate mix (rolled barley, steam rolled corn, distillers grains, soybean meal)MEGALAC (CON) or MEGALAC-R (TRT) fed at 462 g/d.Materials and Methods

  • kg/dMilkDMI

  • Feeding Ca-salts of polyunsaturated fatty acids did not alter milk production, milk fat percent, or dry matter intake when compared to MEGALAC.

    Calcium salts of polyunsaturated fatty acids limited rumen biohydrogenation of essential fatty acids and supplied more essential fatty acids to the small intestine as detected in milk fat.Conclusions

  • How it Started?Conducted several research trialstransition cow, early lactation, USDA drugFacilitiesClose-up & Fresh Cow PensPeopleEmployeesVeterinarian & NutritionistReproduction improvement/performance

  • ReproductionHeavy emphasis at KRUFresh cow/ transition cow programMonitor transition cowsModified Targeted Breeding Program Solid breeding program before the MEGALAC-R trials

  • First TrialFeeding MEGALAC-R (prototype) to close-up cowsTrial June 2000-March 2001~350 cows /treatmentTreated group fed 1/4 #/hd/day MEGALAC-R for 21 days pre-fresh Control group

  • sanchez

    Control

    DateHt EligHeatPctPg EligPregPct

    9/22/0042358342819

    10/13/00715476711420

    11/3/00936267932325

    11/24/00995657982121

    12/15/0011571621141412

    1/5/0112790711182219

    Total5493686753810219

    Treatment

    DateHt EligHeatPctPg EligPregPct

    9/22/00463780461328

    10/13/00684769681928

    11/3/00846173832530

    11/24/00985657961718

    12/15/0011272641112321

    1/5/0111983701142925

    Total5283566751912624

  • sanchez2

    Control

    DIMHt EligHeatPctPg EligPregPct

    50258232902565722

    7117494541722313

    9212858451282217

    113803544781013

    13446255444716

    1552311482115

    Total7184606470712217

    Treatment

    DIMHt EligHeatPctPg EligPregPct

    50284252892838329

    7117184491673823

    9210766621051817

    113743547741115

    13445255642512

    15520136519211

    Total7114766770015722

  • Sheet1

    Idaho Close-up Study - Control vs. Fatty Acids + Methionine

    Control

    # Heat% Heats# Preg% Preg

    DateEligible# HeatsDetectedEligible# PregRate

    9/21/0042348042716

    10/12/00745675731419

    11/2/0010064641001919

    11/23/0010760561052220

    12/14/0012173601181311

    1/4/0113394701212218

    Totals57738168%5599717%=Success/Total

    Treatment

    # Heat% Heats# Preg% Preg

    DateEligible# HeatsDetectedEligible# PregRate

    9/21/00453680451226

    10/12/00684464681623

    11/2/00876473852731

    11/23/00995555961414

    12/14/0011776641142320

    1/4/0112183681152925

    Totals53735867%52312123%=Success/Total

    Idaho Close-up Study - Control vs. Fatty Acids + Methionine

    Control

    Heat# Heat% Heats# Preg% Preg

    IntervalEligible# HeatsDetectedEligible# PregRate

    50 - 70 DIM15965401512617

    71 - 92 DIM11738321131614

    Totals27610337%2644216%

    Treatment

    Heat# Heat% Heats# Preg% Preg

    IntervalEligible# HeatsDetectedEligible# PregRate

    50 - 70 DIM17666371724928

    71 - 92 DIM12641321202117

    Totals30210735%2927024%

    Chi-Square Analysis

    PregNon-Preg

    Treatment126402528

    Control102447549

    2288491077

    24more preg cows

    24%Increase

    * P < .02

    Sheet2

    Sheet3

  • A New Formulation

  • What:The largest reproduction data set (with high producing cows on modern dairies) ever assembled! Top management, excellent reproduction> 27,000 lbs. 305 ME milk> 5,000 cows, > 14,000 eligible breedingsStudies from across the U.S.A.

  • How: Four Dairies1400-cow free stall dairy - Northeast2500-cow free stall dairy - Midwest1600-cow open lot dairy - West3900-cow open lot dairy - WestFed either what they currently were feeding (MEGALAC or Tallow; control) vs. MEGALAC-R in place of the control lb prepartum or 1 lb postpartum

  • Sheet1

    Table 2. Trial 1. A comparison between Pre and Postpartum Feeding of MEGALAC and MEGALAC-R on 21-day pregnancy rates.1

    TreatmentsSignificance

    ItemControlMEGALAC-ROdds Ratio Chi-Square P-Value

    StudyControlMEGALAC-R% Increase21-day Preg. Rates Over Time Intervals

    Trial # 1 - 1/4 lb R pre + 1lb R post vs. MEGALACPrimiparous Animals, n8798

    Number animals enrolled (bred)552591Number Eligible Cycles163179

    Number pregnant196250Number Pregnant2936

    Cumulative percent pregnant (approx. 3-4 cycles)35.5%42.3%19.1%Percent Pregnant17.820.11.160.30.58

    Trial #2 - 1/4 lb R pre vs. 0 + 1/2 lb R post vs. Tallow21-day Preg. Rates Over DIM Intervals

    Number animals enrolled (bred)403427Primiparous Animals, n8798

    Number pregnant205221Number Eligible Animals8798

    Cumulative percent pregnant (approx. 5-6 cycles)50.9%51.8%1.7%Number Pregnant3242

    Trial #3 - 1/4 lb R pre vs. 0 + 1/2 lb R post vs. TallowCumulative Percent Pregnant36.842.91290.710.4

    Number animals enrolled (bred)1268128521-day Preg. Rates Over Time Intervals

    Number pregnant794852Multiparous Animals, n465493

    Cumulative percent pregnant (approx. 5-6 cycles)62.6%66.3%5.9%Number Eligible Cycles867911

    Trial #4 - 1/2 lb R post vs. MEGALACNumber Pregnant153190

    Number animals enrolled (bred)287332Percent Pregnant17.620.91.232.940.09

    Number pregnant20324021-day Preg. Rates Over DIM Intervals

    Cumulative percent pregnant (approx. 6-7 cycles)70.7%72.3%2.2%Multiparous Animals, n465493

    TotalsNumber Eligible Animals465493

    Number animals enrolled (bred)25102635Number Pregnant164208

    Number pregnant13981563Cumulative Percent Pregnant35.342.21.344.830.03

    Cumulative percent pregnant55.7%59.3%6.5%21-day Preg. Rates Over Time Intervals

    All Animals, Percent Pregnant17.720.71.223.20.07

    StudyControlMEGALAC-R% Increase21-day Preg. Rates Over DIM Intervals

    Trial #2 - 1/4 lb R pre vs. 0 + 1/2 lb R post vs. TallowAll Animals, Cumulative Percent Pregnant35.542.31.263.810.05

    1st Lactation Animals1. From Dairy 2: New York 1000 cow free-stall dairy. Animals were fed either lb MEGALAC or MEGALAC-R in the close-up pen and 1 lb of MEGALAC or MEGALAC-R in the fresh and lactating pens.

    Number animals enrolled (bred)160167

    Number pregnant8298

    Cumulative pregnancy rate51.3%58.7%14.5%Table 4. Trial 2. A comparison between Prepartum Feeding of a Non-fat Supplemented Close-up Ration and MEGALAC-R and Postpartum Feeding of Tallow and MEGALAC-R on 21-day pregnancy rates.1

    TreatmentsSignificance

    StudyControlMEGALAC-R% IncreaseItemControlMEGALAC-ROdds Ratio Chi-Square P-Value

    Trial #4 - 1/2 lb R post vs. MEGALAC21-day Preg. Rates Over Time Intervals

    1st Lactation AnimalsPrimiparous Animals, n160167

    Number animals enrolled (bred)93105Number Eligible Cycles471464

    Number pregnant7184Number Pregnant8097

    Cumulative pregnancy rate76.3%80.0%4.8%Percent Pregnant1720.90.772.340.13

    21-day Preg. Rates Over DIM Intervals

    Primiparous Animals, n160167

    Number Eligible Animals160167

    Number Pregnant8298

    Cumulative Percent Pregnant51.358.71.221.60.21

    21-day Preg. Rates Over Time Intervals

    Multiparous Animals, n243260

    Number Eligible Cycles582675

    Number Pregnant123125

    Percent Pregnant20.618.20.861.160.28

    21-day Preg. Rates Over DIM Intervals

    Multiparous Animals, n243260

    Number Eligible Animals243260

    Number Pregnant123123

    Cumulative Percent Pregnant50.647.30.880.550.46

    21-day Preg. Rates Over Time Intervals

    All Animals, Percent Pregnant1919.31.020.030.86

    21-day Preg. Rates Over DIM Intervals

    All Animals, Cumulative Percent Pregnant50.4521.050.130.72

    1. From Dairy 4: Idaho herd #2 3900 cow open lot dairy. Animals were fed either the current close-up ration (no added fat) or lb MEGALAC-R in the close-up pen and 0.5 lb Tallow or 0.5 lb MEGALAC-R in the fresh and lactating pens.

    Table 6. Trial 3. A Comparison Between Prepartum Feeding of a Non-fat Supplemented Close-up Ration and MEGALAC-R and Postpartum Feeding of Tallow and MEGALAC-R on 21-day pregnancy rates.1

    TreatmentsSignificance

    ItemControlMEGALAC-ROdds Ratio Chi-Square P-Value

    21-day Preg. Rates Over Time Intervals

    Primiparous Animals, n350387

    Number Eligible Cycles10361088

    Number Pregnant251274

    Percent Pregnant24.225.21.050.190.67

    21-day Preg. Rates Over DIM Intervals

    Primiparous Animals, n350387

    Number Eligible Animals350387

    Number Pregnant251274

    Cumulative Percent Pregnant71.770.81.080.240.63

    21-day Preg. Rates Over Time Intervals

    Multiparous Animals, n865825

    Number Eligible Cycles25082654

    Number Pregnant506527

    Percent Pregnant20.219.91.010.010.92

    21-day Preg. Rates Over DIM Intervals

    Multiparous Animals, n865825

    Number Eligible Animals865825

    Number Pregnant506527

    Cumulative Percent Pregnant58.563.91.327.380.007

    21-day Preg. Rates Over Time Intervals

    All Animals, Percent Pregnant21.421.41.030.230.63

    21-day Preg. Rates Over DIM Intervals

    All Animals, Cumulative Percent Pregnant62.366.11.183.780.05

    1. From Dairy 1: Indiana 5000 cow free stall dairy. Animals were fed either the current close-up ration (no added fat) or lb MEGALAC-R in the close-up pen and 0.5 lb Tallow or 0.5 lb MEGALAC-R in the lactating pens. All fresh cows were fed the control

    Table 8. Trial 4. A comparison between MEGALAC and MEGALAC-R on 21-day pregnancy rates for cows fed MEGALAC-R prepartum.1

    TreatmentsSignificance

    ItemControlMEGALAC-ROdds Ratio Chi-Square P-Value

    21-day Preg. Rates Over Time Intervals

    Primiparous Animals, n93105

    Number Eligible Cycles276288

    Number Pregnant6481

    Percent Pregnant23.128.11.31.80.18

    21-day Preg. Rates Over DIM Intervals

    Primiparous Animals, n93105

    Number Eligible Animals93105

    Number Pregnant7184

    Cumulative Percent Pregnant76.3801.240.390.53

    21-day Preg. Rates Over Time Intervals

    Multiparous Animals, n194227

    Number Eligible Cycles659828

    Number Pregnant131155

    Percent Pregnant19.918.70.930.320.57

    21-day Preg. Rates Over DIM Intervals

    Multiparous Animals, n194227

    Number Eligible Animals194227

    Number Pregnant132156

    Cumulative Percent Pregnant6868.71.030.020.88

    21-day Preg. Rates Over Time Intervals

    All Animals, Percent Pregnant20.921.11.020.030.87

    21-day Preg. Rates Over DIM Intervals

    All Animals, Cumulative Percent Pregnant70.772.31.080.180.67

    1. From Dairy 3: Idaho herd #1 1600 cow open lot dairy. All animals were fed lb of MEGALAC-R in the close-up pen. After calving, Animals were fed either the 0.5 lb MEGALAC or 0.5 lb MEGALAC-R in the fresh and lactating pens.

    Sheet2

    Sheet3

  • Sheet1

    Table 2. Trial 1. A comparison between Pre and Postpartum Feeding of MEGALAC and MEGALAC-R on 21-day pregnancy rates.1

    TreatmentsSignificance

    ItemControlMEGALAC-ROdds Ratio Chi-Square P-Value

    StudyControlMEGALAC-R% Increase21-day Preg. Rates Over Time Intervals

    Trial # 1 - 1/4 lb R pre + 1lb R post vs. MEGALACPrimiparous Animals, n8798

    Number animals enrolled (bred)552591Number Eligible Cycles163179

    Number pregnant196250Number Pregnant2936

    Cumulative pregnancy rate35.5%42.3%19.1%Percent Pregnant17.820.11.160.30.58

    Trial #2 - 1/4 lb R pre vs. 0 + 1/2 lb R post vs. Tallow21-day Preg. Rates Over DIM Intervals

    Number animals enrolled (bred)403427Primiparous Animals, n8798

    Number pregnant205221Number Eligible Animals8798

    Cumulative pregnancy rate50.9%51.8%1.7%Number Pregnant3242

    Trial #3 - 1/4 lb R pre vs. 0 + 1/2 lb R post vs. TallowCumulative Percent Pregnant36.842.91290.710.4

    Number animals enrolled (bred)1186114021-day Preg. Rates Over Time Intervals

    Number pregnant686724Multiparous Animals, n465493

    Cumulative pregnancy rate57.8%63.5%9.8%Number Eligible Cycles867911

    Trial #4 - 1/2 lb R post vs. MEGALACNumber Pregnant153190

    Number animals enrolled (bred)287332Percent Pregnant17.620.91.232.940.09

    Number pregnant20324021-day Preg. Rates Over DIM Intervals

    Cumulative pregnancy rate70.7%72.3%2.2%Multiparous Animals, n465493

    TotalsNumber Eligible Animals465493

    Number animals enrolled (bred)24282490Number Pregnant164208

    Number pregnant12901435Cumulative Percent Pregnant35.342.21.344.830.03

    Cumulative pregnancy rate53.1%57.6%8.5%21-day Preg. Rates Over Time Intervals

    All Animals, Percent Pregnant17.720.71.223.20.07

    StudyControlMEGALAC-R% Increase21-day Preg. Rates Over DIM Intervals

    Trial #2 - 1/4 lb R pre vs. 0 + 1/2 lb R post vs. TallowAll Animals, Cumulative Percent Pregnant35.542.31.263.810.05

    1st Lactation Animals1. From Dairy 2: New York 1000 cow free-stall dairy. Animals were fed either lb MEGALAC or MEGALAC-R in the close-up pen and 1 lb of MEGALAC or MEGALAC-R in the fresh and lactating pens.

    Number animals enrolled (bred)160167

    Number pregnant8298

    Cumulative percent pregnant (approx. 5-6 cycles)51.3%58.7%14.5%Table 4. Trial 2. A comparison between Prepartum Feeding of a Non-fat Supplemented Close-up Ration and MEGALAC-R and Postpartum Feeding of Tallow and MEGALAC-R on 21-day pregnancy rates.1

    TreatmentsSignificance

    StudyControlMEGALAC-R% IncreaseItemControlMEGALAC-ROdds Ratio Chi-Square P-Value

    Trial #4 - 1/2 lb R post vs. MEGALAC21-day Preg. Rates Over Time Intervals

    1st Lactation AnimalsPrimiparous Animals, n160167

    Number animals enrolled (bred)93105Number Eligible Cycles471464

    Number pregnant7184Number Pregnant8097

    Cumulative pregnancy rate76.3%80.0%4.8%Percent Pregnant1720.90.772.340.13

    21-day Preg. Rates Over DIM Intervals

    Primiparous Animals, n160167

    Number Eligible Animals160167

    Number Pregnant8298

    Cumulative Percent Pregnant51.358.71.221.60.21

    21-day Preg. Rates Over Time Intervals

    Multiparous Animals, n243260

    Number Eligible Cycles582675

    Number Pregnant123125

    Percent Pregnant20.618.20.861.160.28

    21-day Preg. Rates Over DIM Intervals

    Multiparous Animals, n243260

    Number Eligible Animals243260

    Number Pregnant123123

    Cumulative Percent Pregnant50.647.30.880.550.46

    21-day Preg. Rates Over Time Intervals

    All Animals, Percent Pregnant1919.31.020.030.86

    21-day Preg. Rates Over DIM Intervals

    All Animals, Cumulative Percent Pregnant50.4521.050.130.72

    1. From Dairy 4: Idaho herd #2 3900 cow open lot dairy. Animals were fed either the current close-up ration (no added fat) or lb MEGALAC-R in the close-up pen and 0.5 lb Tallow or 0.5 lb MEGALAC-R in the fresh and lactating pens.

    Table 6. Trial 3. A Comparison Between Prepartum Feeding of a Non-fat Supplemented Close-up Ration and MEGALAC-R and Postpartum Feeding of Tallow and MEGALAC-R on 21-day pregnancy rates.1

    TreatmentsSignificance

    ItemControlMEGALAC-ROdds Ratio Chi-Square P-Value

    21-day Preg. Rates Over Time Intervals

    Primiparous Animals, n339380

    Number Eligible Cycles677797

    Number Pregnant170208

    Percent Pregnant25.126.11.050.190.67

    21-day Preg. Rates Over DIM Intervals

    Primiparous Animals, n339380

    Number Eligible Animals339380

    Number Pregnant228262

    Cumulative Percent Pregnant67.368.91.080.240.63

    21-day Preg. Rates Over Time Intervals

    Multiparous Animals, n847760

    Number Eligible Cycles17481751

    Number Pregnant355358

    Percent Pregnant20.320.41.010.010.92

    21-day Preg. Rates Over DIM Intervals

    Multiparous Animals, n847760

    Number Eligible Animals847760

    Number Pregnant458462

    Cumulative Percent Pregnant54.160.81.327.380.007

    21-day Preg. Rates Over Time Intervals

    All Animals, Percent Pregnant21.622.21.030.230.63

    21-day Preg. Rates Over DIM Intervals

    All Animals, Cumulative Percent Pregnant61.863.51.277.820.005

    1. From Dairy 1: Indiana 5000 cow free stall dairy. Animals were fed either the current close-up ration (no added fat) or lb MEGALAC-R in the close-up pen and 0.5 lb Tallow or 0.5 lb MEGALAC-R in the lactating pens. All fresh cows were fed the control

    Table 8. Trial 4. A comparison between MEGALAC and MEGALAC-R on 21-day pregnancy rates for cows fed MEGALAC-R prepartum.1

    TreatmentsSignificance

    ItemControlMEGALAC-ROdds Ratio Chi-Square P-Value

    21-day Preg. Rates Over Time Intervals

    Primiparous Animals, n93105

    Number Eligible Cycles276288

    Number Pregnant6481

    Percent Pregnant23.128.11.31.80.18

    21-day Preg. Rates Over DIM Intervals

    Primiparous Animals, n93105

    Number Eligible Animals93105

    Number Pregnant7184

    Cumulative Percent Pregnant76.3801.240.390.53

    21-day Preg. Rates Over Time Intervals

    Multiparous Animals, n194227

    Number Eligible Cycles659828

    Number Pregnant131155

    Percent Pregnant19.918.70.930.320.57

    21-day Preg. Rates Over DIM Intervals

    Multiparous Animals, n194227

    Number Eligible Animals194227

    Number Pregnant132156

    Cumulative Percent Pregnant6868.71.030.020.88

    21-day Preg. Rates Over Time Intervals

    All Animals, Percent Pregnant20.921.11.020.030.87

    21-day Preg. Rates Over DIM Intervals

    All Animals, Cumulative Percent Pregnant70.772.31.080.180.67

    1. From Dairy 3: Idaho herd #1 1600 cow open lot dairy. All animals were fed lb of MEGALAC-R in the close-up pen. After calving, Animals were fed either the 0.5 lb MEGALAC or 0.5 lb MEGALAC-R in the fresh and lactating pens.

    Sheet2

    Sheet3

    Sheet1

    Table 2. Trial 1. A comparison between Pre and Postpartum Feeding of MEGALAC and MEGALAC-R on 21-day pregnancy rates.1

    TreatmentsSignificance

    ItemControlMEGALAC-ROdds Ratio Chi-Square P-Value

    StudyControlMEGALAC-R% Increase21-day Preg. Rates Over Time Intervals

    Trial # 1 - 1/4 lb R pre + 1lb R post vs. MEGALACPrimiparous Animals, n8798

    Number animals enrolled (bred)552591Number Eligible Cycles163179

    Number pregnant196250Number Pregnant2936

    Cumulative pregnancy rate35.5%42.3%19.1%Percent Pregnant17.820.11.160.30.58

    Trial #2 - 1/4 lb R pre vs. 0 + 1/2 lb R post vs. Tallow21-day Preg. Rates Over DIM Intervals

    Number animals enrolled (bred)403427Primiparous Animals, n8798

    Number pregnant205221Number Eligible Animals8798

    Cumulative pregnancy rate50.9%51.8%1.7%Number Pregnant3242

    Trial #3 - 1/4 lb R pre vs. 0 + 1/2 lb R post vs. TallowCumulative Percent Pregnant36.842.91290.710.4

    Number animals enrolled (bred)1186114021-day Preg. Rates Over Time Intervals

    Number pregnant686724Multiparous Animals, n465493

    Cumulative pregnancy rate57.8%63.5%9.8%Number Eligible Cycles867911

    Trial #4 - 1/2 lb R post vs. MEGALACNumber Pregnant153190

    Number animals enrolled (bred)287332Percent Pregnant17.620.91.232.940.09

    Number pregnant20324021-day Preg. Rates Over DIM Intervals

    Cumulative pregnancy rate70.7%72.3%2.2%Multiparous Animals, n465493

    TotalsNumber Eligible Animals465493

    Number animals enrolled (bred)24282490Number Pregnant164208

    Number pregnant12901435Cumulative Percent Pregnant35.342.21.344.830.03

    Cumulative pregnancy rate53.1%57.6%8.5%21-day Preg. Rates Over Time Intervals

    All Animals, Percent Pregnant17.720.71.223.20.07

    StudyControlMEGALAC-R% Increase21-day Preg. Rates Over DIM Intervals

    Trial #2 - 1/4 lb R pre vs. 0 + 1/2 lb R post vs. TallowAll Animals, Cumulative Percent Pregnant35.542.31.263.810.05

    1st Lactation Animals1. From Dairy 2: New York 1000 cow free-stall dairy. Animals were fed either lb MEGALAC or MEGALAC-R in the close-up pen and 1 lb of MEGALAC or MEGALAC-R in the fresh and lactating pens.

    Number animals enrolled (bred)160167

    Number pregnant8298

    Cumulative pregnancy rate51.3%58.7%14.5%Table 4. Trial 2. A comparison between Prepartum Feeding of a Non-fat Supplemented Close-up Ration and MEGALAC-R and Postpartum Feeding of Tallow and MEGALAC-R on 21-day pregnancy rates.1

    TreatmentsSignificance

    StudyControlMEGALAC-R% IncreaseItemControlMEGALAC-ROdds Ratio Chi-Square P-Value

    Trial #4 - 1/2 lb R post vs. MEGALAC21-day Preg. Rates Over Time Intervals

    1st Lactation AnimalsPrimiparous Animals, n160167

    Number animals enrolled (bred)93105Number Eligible Cycles471464

    Number pregnant7184Number Pregnant8097

    Cumulative percent pregnant (approx. 6-7 cyces)76.3%80.0%4.8%Percent Pregnant1720.90.772.340.13

    21-day Preg. Rates Over DIM Intervals

    Primiparous Animals, n160167

    Number Eligible Animals160167

    Number Pregnant8298

    Cumulative Percent Pregnant51.358.71.221.60.21

    21-day Preg. Rates Over Time Intervals

    Multiparous Animals, n243260

    Number Eligible Cycles582675

    Number Pregnant123125

    Percent Pregnant20.618.20.861.160.28

    21-day Preg. Rates Over DIM Intervals

    Multiparous Animals, n243260

    Number Eligible Animals243260

    Number Pregnant123123

    Cumulative Percent Pregnant50.647.30.880.550.46

    21-day Preg. Rates Over Time Intervals

    All Animals, Percent Pregnant1919.31.020.030.86

    21-day Preg. Rates Over DIM Intervals

    All Animals, Cumulative Percent Pregnant50.4521.050.130.72

    1. From Dairy 4: Idaho herd #2 3900 cow open lot dairy. Animals were fed either the current close-up ration (no added fat) or lb MEGALAC-R in the close-up pen and 0.5 lb Tallow or 0.5 lb MEGALAC-R in the fresh and lactating pens.

    Table 6. Trial 3. A Comparison Between Prepartum Feeding of a Non-fat Supplemented Close-up Ration and MEGALAC-R and Postpartum Feeding of Tallow and MEGALAC-R on 21-day pregnancy rates.1

    TreatmentsSignificance

    ItemControlMEGALAC-ROdds Ratio Chi-Square P-Value

    21-day Preg. Rates Over Time Intervals

    Primiparous Animals, n339380

    Number Eligible Cycles677797

    Number Pregnant170208

    Percent Pregnant25.126.11.050.190.67

    21-day Preg. Rates Over DIM Intervals

    Primiparous Animals, n339380

    Number Eligible Animals339380

    Number Pregnant228262

    Cumulative Percent Pregnant67.368.91.080.240.63

    21-day Preg. Rates Over Time Intervals

    Multiparous Animals, n847760

    Number Eligible Cycles17481751

    Number Pregnant355358

    Percent Pregnant20.320.41.010.010.92

    21-day Preg. Rates Over DIM Intervals

    Multiparous Animals, n847760

    Number Eligible Animals847760

    Number Pregnant458462

    Cumulative Percent Pregnant54.160.81.327.380.007

    21-day Preg. Rates Over Time Intervals

    All Animals, Percent Pregnant21.622.21.030.230.63

    21-day Preg. Rates Over DIM Intervals

    All Animals, Cumulative Percent Pregnant61.863.51.277.820.005

    1. From Dairy 1: Indiana 5000 cow free stall dairy. Animals were fed either the current close-up ration (no added fat) or lb MEGALAC-R in the close-up pen and 0.5 lb Tallow or 0.5 lb MEGALAC-R in the lactating pens. All fresh cows were fed the control

    Table 8. Trial 4. A comparison between MEGALAC and MEGALAC-R on 21-day pregnancy rates for cows fed MEGALAC-R prepartum.1

    TreatmentsSignificance

    ItemControlMEGALAC-ROdds Ratio Chi-Square P-Value

    21-day Preg. Rates Over Time Intervals

    Primiparous Animals, n93105

    Number Eligible Cycles276288

    Number Pregnant6481

    Percent Pregnant23.128.11.31.80.18

    21-day Preg. Rates Over DIM Intervals

    Primiparous Animals, n93105

    Number Eligible Animals93105

    Number Pregnant7184

    Cumulative Percent Pregnant76.3801.240.390.53

    21-day Preg. Rates Over Time Intervals

    Multiparous Animals, n194227

    Number Eligible Cycles659828

    Number Pregnant131155

    Percent Pregnant19.918.70.930.320.57

    21-day Preg. Rates Over DIM Intervals

    Multiparous Animals, n194227

    Number Eligible Animals194227

    Number Pregnant132156

    Cumulative Percent Pregnant6868.71.030.020.88

    21-day Preg. Rates Over Time Intervals

    All Animals, Percent Pregnant20.921.11.020.030.87

    21-day Preg. Rates Over DIM Intervals

    All Animals, Cumulative Percent Pregnant70.772.31.080.180.67

    1. From Dairy 3: Idaho herd #1 1600 cow open lot dairy. All animals were fed lb of MEGALAC-R in the close-up pen. After calving, Animals were fed either the 0.5 lb MEGALAC or 0.5 lb MEGALAC-R in the fresh and lactating pens.

    Sheet2

    Sheet3

  • 6/15/01 11/1/01After 11/1/01MEGALAC-R fed Prepartum No MEGALAC-R prepartum

  • 7/15/01 12/1/01After 12/1/01On Experiment Off Experiment

  • Follow-Up Trial1/4 #/hd/day MEGALAC-R all close-ups Feed 1/2 #/hd/day MEGALAC-R lactating cows to 120-150 DIMCows randomized into control or treated groups at freshening moved to treated or control penFCH & cows kept in separate strings

  • 21 day Preg Rate Bredsum CalculationsExample Bredsum records for overall (all animals) controls and MEGALAC-R and heifers controls and MEGALAC-R.OverallFirst lactation heifers

  • Overall Control20

  • Overall MEGALAC-R23

  • Control - First Lactation Heifers23

  • First Lactation Heifers MEGALAC-R30

  • Another Large California Herd Evaluation A large dairy company in California two Dairies at 1.2 lbs of MEGALAC and put two other similar dairies on 0.6 lbs of MEGALAC and 0.6 lbs of MEGALAC-R.All managed and fed the sameEvaluation began in June 2002, ended June 2003. Data from full year used to evaluate the intervention.

  • Summary MEGALAC-R is a profitable investmentEvery trial showed a positive responseFeeding 1 pound MEGALAC-R postpartum, showed the greatest response in both cows and first-calf heifersFeeding MEGALAC-R prepartum is critical to successMEGALAC-R reduces early embryonic deathMEGALAC-R has shown other benefits (immunity related)Better understanding of future research directions

  • Aurora Florida Dairy #1 began Sept

    Chart1

    72.5

    72.4

    72.8

    62

    38231

    67.8

    68.8

    73.1

    74.2

    71.9

    150-day milk

    Month

    lbs 150-day milk

    150-day Milk

    Monitor

    Aurora Dairy

    Florida Unit 1

    MONTH(no testday)

    PARAMETER5/24/046/22/047/27/048/24/04Sep-0410/26/0411/23/0412/21/041/25/052/22/05

    Herd Inventory

    Total Cows173217411757175917941753165816281620

    Milking Cows152014281258129015351474140913981435

    % cows in milk88%82%72%73%86%84%85%86%89%

    No. of cows freshened697164314250199117115133124

    Avg DIM (herd)235236239204177182178185181

    No. cows in Lact 1665708754742735721669617607

    Production

    Total Milk (whole herd)55.150.143.237.451.653.258.860.761.4

    Total Milk (milking herd)62.861.160.351.060.363.369.270.969.3

    % fat3.4%3.2%3.2%3.5%3.3%3.6%3.8%3.7%3.5%

    % pro3.0%2.9%2.9%3.0%3.0%3.1%3.1%3.0%2.9%

    150-day milk72.572.472.862.067.868.873.174.271.9

    Rolling Herd Average Milk189111883418608183381823518392186221896219192

    1st 305ME - Total Herd18502197071991519074

    1st 305ME - Lact 118466191812038921271

    1st 305ME - Lact 219814202352008319510

    1st 305ME - Lact 317890197061972618567

    No. cows

  • Aurora Florida Dairy #1 began Sept

    Chart2

    170220

    164209

    156201

    149203

    3823138231

    138194

    138183

    138175

    132173

    129168

    Avg days to conception

    Proj. min. days open

    Month

    Days

    Days to Conception & Days Open

    Monitor

    Aurora Dairy

    Florida Unit 1

    MONTH(no testday)

    PARAMETER5/24/046/22/047/27/048/24/04Sep-0410/26/0411/23/0412/21/041/25/052/22/05

    Herd Inventory

    Total Cows173217411757175917941753165816281620

    Milking Cows152014281258129015351474140913981435

    % cows in milk88%82%72%73%86%84%85%86%89%

    No. of cows freshened697164314250199117115133124

    Avg DIM (herd)235236239204177182178185181

    No. cows in Lact 1665708754742735721669617607

    Production

    Total Milk (whole herd)55.150.143.237.451.653.258.860.761.4

    Total Milk (milking herd)62.861.160.351.060.363.369.270.969.3

    % fat3.4%3.2%3.2%3.5%3.3%3.6%3.8%3.7%3.5%

    % pro3.0%2.9%2.9%3.0%3.0%3.1%3.1%3.0%2.9%

    150-day milk72.572.472.862.067.868.873.174.271.9

    Rolling Herd Average Milk189111883418608183381823518392186221896219192

    1st 305ME - Total Herd18502197071991519074

    1st 305ME - Lact 118466191812038921271

    1st 305ME - Lact 219814202352008319510

    1st 305ME - Lact 317890197061972618567

    No. cows

  • Aurora Florida Dairy #2 began Sept

    Chart1

    171228

    167221

    162216

    156218

    3823438234

    149226

    146220

    146214

    149217

    148212

    Avg days to conception

    Proj. min. days open

    Month

    Days

    Days to Conception & Days Open

    Monitor

    Aurora Dairy

    Florida Unit 2

    MONTH(no testday)

    PARAMETER5/25/046/29/047/27/048/24/04Sep-0410/26/0411/23/0412/21/041/25/052/21/05

    Herd Inventory

    Total Cows221022212245225422232216217422562232

    Milking Cows203818301658166718141890189319612015

    % cows in milk92%82%74%74%82%85%87%87%90%

    No. of cows freshened67788337128923019214221497

    Avg DIM (herd)249252247225197189198196200

    No. cows in Lact 1710771827818824835825892914

    Production

    Total Milk (whole herd)58.849.942.441.25056.561.162.365.5

    Total Milk (milking herd)63.860.657.455.761.366.270.271.772.6

    % fat3.6%3.4%3.4%3.5%3.6%3.8%3.7%3.6%3.4%

    % pro2.9%2.9%2.9%3.0%3.0%3.0%3.0%3.0%3.0%

    150-day milk74.772.970.568.969.472.175.776.577.7

    Rolling Herd Average Milk202172020619991197061964119768199112010420195

    1st 305ME - Total Herd19380201342090520373

    1st 305ME - Lact 119384200222086620227

    1st 305ME - Lact 220265209632204921474

    1st 305ME - Lact 319110199932053420008

    No. cows

  • Aurora Florida Dairy #2 began Sept

    Chart2

    74.7

    72.9

    70.5

    68.9

    38234

    69.4

    72.1

    75.7

    76.5

    77.7

    150-day milk

    Month

    lbs 150-day milk

    150-day Milk

    Monitor

    Aurora Dairy

    Florida Unit 2

    MONTH(no testday)

    PARAMETER5/25/046/29/047/27/048/24/04Sep-0410/26/0411/23/0412/21/041/25/052/21/05

    Herd Inventory

    Total Cows221022212245225422232216217422562232

    Milking Cows203818301658166718141890189319612015

    % cows in milk92%82%74%74%82%85%87%87%90%

    No. of cows freshened67788337128923019214221497

    Avg DIM (herd)249252247225197189198196200

    No. cows in Lact 1710771827818824835825892914

    Production

    Total Milk (whole herd)58.849.942.441.25056.561.162.365.5

    Total Milk (milking herd)63.860.657.455.761.366.270.271.772.6

    % fat3.6%3.4%3.4%3.5%3.6%3.8%3.7%3.6%3.4%

    % pro2.9%2.9%2.9%3.0%3.0%3.0%3.0%3.0%3.0%

    150-day milk74.772.970.568.969.472.175.776.577.7

    Rolling Herd Average Milk202172020619991197061964119768199112010420195

    1st 305ME - Total Herd19380201342090520373

    1st 305ME - Lact 119384200222086620227

    1st 305ME - Lact 220265209632204921474

    1st 305ME - Lact 319110199932053420008

    No. cows

  • Thank You!

    This presentation, and the accompanying discussion, provides the basis for recommending that high producing cows require essential fatty acids be added to their diet in rumen protected form. The Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition Group at Church & Dwight Co., Inc. has conducted and published many research trials on the subject of ruminally protected fat in the form of MEGALAC. We have demonstrated that MEGALAC, when appropriately added to a cows diet provides high quality energy in the form of highly digestible fatty acids. MEGALAC has been shown to have the highest net energy value of all added dietary fats and dose not alter rumen fermentation negatively as other fat sources can do.Our process for manufacturing calcium salts of fatty acids (MEGALAC) results in a product that has the highest quantity of total fat with the smallest amount of free fat and virtually no rancid or oxidized fatty acids compared to other manufacturers.After reviewing over 50 published articles on feeding MEGALAC there appeared to be a consistent trend for improved reproduction and health among cows fed MEGALAC versus all other fat sources. We embarked upon an extensive research program to elucidate why this finding was evident. The results will be shown in this presentation.The research results lead to the creation of MEGALAC-R in North America and MEGALAC-E in Brazil. MEGALAC-R has been sold into the North American market for just over two years and has been very successful in improving reproductive performance of herds as well as improving the metabolic status of cows. It is still the only product of its kind on the market that has the high quality standards of Church & Dwight that MEGALAC has. Others have tried to copy its formulation unsuccessfully and if imitation is the highest form of flattery, then we are flattered.

    Before we get into the details of the trials that we have supported and conducted, we will first discuss what is the importance of essential fatty acids and how they impact animal performance and well-being.Nutritionists have known for many years that monogastric animals (swine, poultry and humans) have a specific requirement for essential fatty acids. Deficiencies and imbalances documented include reproductive failure, problems with the immune system and bone metabolism as well as skin lesions.Up until the recent past we have not concerned ourselves with this subject for cows as there was no noticeable problem. However, with the advent of timed artificial insemination and synchronized breeding program, cows that are hormonally treated to cycle and reproduce have not responded to these protocols as predicted. In other words, these programs will improve reproductive performance but not to the level that would have been predicted based on research. Upon closer inspection of survey data, it appears that we are losing ground on pregnancy rates in both cows and heifers that bore no relation to standard dietary nutrients (protein, amino acids, energy, carbohydrates, vitamins or minerals). We then decided to apply some basic monogastric nutritional principles and investigate the essential fatty acids.Very few nutritionists will make final decisions on a ration based on crude protein. Crude protein is a simple measurement of all nitrogen in feeds. This nitrogen can be in the form of true protein, but also measures the non-protein nitrogen in feeds. They know that what cows really require is true protein in the intestine (called Metabolizable Protein), which is made up of individual amino acids.In the past we have estimated crude fat by conducting an ether extract on feeds. Ether extract contains true fat but also contains other fat soluble components that are not fat. These include plant pigments, vitamins and waxes. These other components do have the energetic value n or contain the fatty acids that we really desire out of true fat.True fat is composed of fatty acids and glycerol. Typical fat (or triglyceride) is composed of three fatty acids connected to a glycerol molecule. Just as with protein where we desire to obtain amino acids, we want the fatty acids in fat as our nutrient source.Very few nutritionists will make final decisions on a ration based on crude protein. Crude protein is a simple measurement of all nitrogen in feeds. This nitrogen can be in the form of true protein, but also measures the non-protein nitrogen in feeds. They know that what cows really require is true protein in the intestine (called Metabolizable Protein), which is made up of individual amino acids.In the past we have estimated crude fat by conducting an ether extract on feeds. Ether extract contains true fat but also contains other fat soluble components that are not fat. These include plant pigments, vitamins and waxes. These other components do have the energetic value n or contain the fatty acids that we really desire out of true fat.True fat is composed of fatty acids and glycerol. Typical fat (or triglyceride) is composed of three fatty acids connected to a glycerol molecule. Just as with protein where we desire to obtain amino acids, we want the fatty acids in fat as our nutrient source.Within the group of amino acids in proteins there are certain of those considered to be essential to the animal. The reason that they are called essential is because the body cannot synthesize them yet the are needed for normal functioning of the animal.Similarly, within the group of fatty acids that comprise fat, certain of these are also considered essential to the animal. They cannot be made by the body but are essential for proper function.Of all the amino acids, ten fall into the category of essential. These include the two amino acids thought to be the most limiting to milk production, Methionine and Lysine.Of all the fatty acids, only two cannot be made by the body and are considered to be essential. These are Linoleic acid and Linolenic acid.Nomenclature for fatty acids is usually shown as two numbers. The first number refers to the length of the carbon chain and the second number refers to the number of double bonds. Zero double bonds is called a saturated fatty acid, one double bond is called a monounsaturated fatty acid, and more than one double bond is called a polyunsaturated fatty acid.Most of the fatty acids in feeds are greater than 16 carbons in length. Palmitic acid (16:0) is saturated and found in many foods and feeds and is highly digestible. Stearic acid (18:0) is saturated and is found in tallow and animal fat. It is also produced by the rumen microbes when the cow is fed unprotected unsaturated fatty acids by a process called biohydrogenation. The problem with Stearic acid is that is not well digested by cows and has a low energy value compared to other unsaturated fatty acids that reach the intestine. This is why MEGALAC and MEGALAC-R or E have such a high energetic value. The highly digestible unsaturated fatty acids contained in these products are ruminally protected from becoming Stearic acid. Although products like soybeans have a high amount of unsaturated fatty acids, these become less digestible as the rumen microbes hydrogenate them to Stearic acid.The essential fatty acids mentioned above are Linoleic (18:2 18 carbons with 2 double bonds) and Linolenic (18:3 18 carbons with 3 double bonds).What is happening in the field of nutrition is a shift away from ether extract and crude fat towards more descriptive and precise terminology regarding fat. This new description allows us to begin separating out the energetic effect of fat from the effects of fatty acids on rumen fermentation, intestinal digestion and some of the metabolic effects of the essential fatty acids.There is a limit to the amount of free or unprotected fat that you can add to a ration. Whole oilseeds in the raw or roasted form release unsaturated fatty acids that can upset rumen fermentation. These fatty acids can be toxic to microbes at certain concentrations resulting in reduced fiber digestion, milk fat depression and a reduction in microbial protein that can lead to a protein deficit even though the original ration appeared to be sufficient.Further, as these fatty acids become hydrogenated by the rumen microbes, the resulting saturated fatty acids have a lower energy value than the fatty acids originally fed to the cow. Saturated fatty acids can be fed to the cow in the form of animal fat, hydrogenated tallow or poorly processed ruminally protected fat. These will have a smaller impact on rumen fermentation but will also have a low digestibility compared to unsaturated fatty acids reaching the intestine, as with MEGALAC products. In fact, these saturated fatty acids have 60% of the Net Energy value of MEGALAC, which makes them only slightly better energetically than ground corn.4244Dr. Tom Jenkins at Clemson University put together a very descriptive model showing how to use added fat in a diet. He breaks down added fat into three distinct phases. In Phase I you can add fat to a diet from any source (tallow, oilseeds, etc.) and get improvements in milk yield due to the extra energy. At some point (this will be described later) you will exceed the amount of free fatty acids that the microbes can handle and any additional fat beyond that point begins to reduce microbial function and fermentation. This is now Phase II of adding fat. Any additional fat, therefore, increases the dietary energy density but is offset by the reduction in rumen performance and possibly feed intake. The net result is that added fat beyond that point does not increase milk production. At another point along the curve (Phase III) you see a reduction in milk production when you add more fat. In this phase, the reduction in rumen functionality and reductions in feed intake far outweigh any added energy to the diet from fat.4244The benefit of calcium salts of fatty acids (MEGALAC) is that they are inert in the rumen and do not negatively affect rumen function. This benefit allows you to extend Phase I on the graph. In other words you can add more fat to a diet with MEGALAC than with any other fat source and continue to realize improved milk production where other fat sources would fail.Our philosophy is that the first amount of incremental fat added to a diet should be in the least expensive yet highly digestible form possible and remain in Phase I of te graph. This could be oilseeds (cotton, soy). Once you have maximized the Phase I fat addition incremental fat should be added in the form of MEGALAC.Now the question is How do I know when I have reached the end of Phase I on fat addition?Dr. Jenkins's model defines the amount of rumen active or free fat that you can add to a diet. It is based on the amount of fibre in the diet coupled with the degree of unsaturation of the fatty acids in the fat used.. Research has shown that as the neutral detergent fibre level (NDF) in the diet increases, the amount of free or active fat can increase without upsetting rumen fermentation to any significant degree. Research has also shown that the more unsaturated the fatty acids in the fat, the less of that fat that can be added to the diet.We have put together a fat feeding worksheet (next slide) that can help to determine how much fat can be added.This worksheet is a ration fat EVALUATOR. It does not balance diets.If we input the milk production, milk fat %, and dry matter intake along with the NDF level of the diet (left side of the worksheet), the model will tell you how much fat can be fed in this diet and how much of that can come from rumen active fat and how much from MEGALAC.On the right side of the screen you can input the actual ingredients that contain free or active fat with the quantities that are currently being fed. The worksheet will calculate the quantities of unsaturated fatty acids and tell you if you have exceeded the Phase I recommendations.NOTE that cells colored in blue can be inputs by the user.Now that weve discussed the effects of fatty acids on rumen fermentation and intestinal digestion, we can move further along on the metabolic effects of these two essential fatty acids, Linoleic (18:2) and Linolenic (18:3) acids. Realize that it is only MEGALAC-R and MEGALAC-E that have data that conclusively show that these fatty acids are delivered to the cow. The problem with some of the competitive products is that, while they start with the correct raw materials that contain these unsaturated fatty acids, their production process is not elaborated enough to ensure that the resulting product has the same fatty acids that were originally used. Many competitors either start their process with poor quality raw materials and do not have controls over pressure, temperature and cooling resulting in finished product that now has saturated fatty acids and/or rancid or oxidized fatty acids. As previously mentioned, deficiencies of these essential fatty acids have been shown to cause metabolic problems with skin, reproduction and the immune system in all mammals that have been studied to date, including humans.

    Drs. Charles Staples and Bill Thatcher at the University of Florida reviewed the effects of feeding fat on reproductive performance of dairy cows. We already have clearly defined that negative energy balance, beginning just before calving and continuing throughout early lactation, causes reproductive inefficiencies (delayed ovulations, poor signs of estrous, etc.). Staples and Thatcher wanted to know if dietary fat had a specific effect on reproduction other than its energy contribution in alleviating this negative energy balance.In reviewing the literature, they found 18 studies that fed diets with and without added fat but also had the same energy values by using carbohydrates to make the diets isocaloric (same energy). Using these studies they concluded that added fat had a specific, positive effect on conception rates and on the number and size of ovarian follicles outside of the energy effect.Interestingly, 11 of the 18 studies showed this positive response and 10 of the 11 positive studies used MEGALAC as the fat source. The conclusions pointed to the fact that only MEGALAC was supplying some amount of unsaturated fatty acids to the cow that the other sources of fat were not.MEGALAC-R is a nutritional supplement that supplies essential fatty acid (EFAs) nutrients to the cow in addition to the energetic, rumen inert properties and benefits of regular MEGALAC. The reason that they are termed essential is because the normal biological and biochemical processes in the body cannot produce them. Previous research with MEGALAC and prototypes to MEGALAC-R have shown the benefits listed in the slide above. One obvious question is What are these fatty acids used for in the body that makes them absolutely essential to the animal?Linoleic and Linolenic acids cannot be produced by the mammalian system but all other fatty acids needed by metabolism can be produced. The body uses these two fatty acids to produce other fatty acids. Linoleic acid is used to produce Arachidonic acid and Linolenic acid is used to produce two other fatty acids called EPA and DHA (commonly referred to as fish oil fatty acids).The reason that these three fatty acids arising from the essential fatty acids are important is evident on the next slide.These three fatty acids are what the body uses to synthesize the group of compounds called PROSTAGLANDINS.Prostaglandins are a group of signaling or messenger compounds that cause almost all reactions in the body to proceed fast, slow, or not at all. They are intimately associated with the immune response, bone metabolism and reproduction.In the reproduction process, the prostaglandins are involved with everything from the estrus cycle itself to ovulation, implantation and parturition. Inadequate production of these prostaglandins that can be caused by an essential fatty acid deficiency can and will lead to inefficient reproduction processes.As an aside, you might ask why essential fatty acids improve reproduction but not the fish oil fatty acids. This is theorized to be true because the half life of EPA and DHA in the body is short while the essential fatty acids can be stored and become part of cell membranes. When the body needs a prostaglandin produced, the essential fatty acid in the cell membrane can be used to accomplish this. If we relied on EPA and DHA for prostaglandin synthesis we would need a constant supply in the diet to assure that these fatty acids were present at the exact moment that the body wanted to produce a prostaglandin.If we look at a cell membrane, the interior of the membrane has finger-like projections, which are individual fatty acids. Some of these fatty acids must be the essential fatty acids. When the body requires prostaglandin, the essential fatty acid is released from the membrane and is converted to the appropriate prostaglandin. The space left by this prostaglandin production has to be filled with a fatty acid. If there is an essential fatty acid deficiency, the space can be filled with any fatty acid. Te result of this would be to have a suboptimally functioning cell membrane that can no longer produce the required prostaglandins.One of the first questions we had to answer was whether there was a case to be made for need of these fatty acids. We will use Linoliec acid (18:2) to make this case.Admittedly, unlike in poultry and swine nutrition, we do not know the specific requirement for intestinally available Linoleic and Linolenic acids in the cow. However, if we simply calculate the amount of Linoleic acid secreted in milk we have an idea of some absolute minimum that we need to replace in a day. In the example in the slide above, this cow secreting 100 pounds of milk per day is producing milk with 64 grams of Linoleic acid.If there were no other requirement in the body for this fatty acid (which is a false statement) then 64 grams would be her daily requirement to be absorbed from the intestine.Based on information derived from swine and laboratory animals the actual requirement is likely 2 to 3 times greater than this (120 to 180 grams/day).

    The CPM (Cornell, University of Pennsylvania, Miner Research Institute) ration balancing/evaluating program is software system that uses the CNCPS (Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System) equations to evaluate dairy cow performance based on a given diet. The CPM model is universally accepted as our best estimates to predict dairy performance.We used the fatty acid sub model of this system to estimate amounts of Linoleic acid delivered to the intestine of cows given 12 fictitious diets. These diets ranged from fairly typical high production diets to fairly absurd diets designed to push the system.The highest amounts of Linoleic acid that we could get to the cow was 63 grams per day versus the 64 grams that we previously calculated that she would secrete in milk.Therefore, we are extremely confident that there is a biological and physiological need to create supplements that would deliver more of these essential fatty acids to cows.One of the first studies that we supported to determine if there were effects on reproductive parameters by essential fatty acids was conducted at the University of Florida by Drs. Charles Staples and Bill Thatcher. The results were published in the Journal of Dairy Science in 2000 as an abstract and in 2001 as a journal paper.The next few slides shows the major results of this trial.One diet was fed to cows with treatment being four different types of supplemental fatty acids in the form of Calcium salts of fatty acids (as in MEGALAC products).Treatments were either no supplemental fatty acids or an addition of 2.2% of the dry matter as calcium-fatty acids high in Oleic acid (nonessential), Linoleic acid (essential), or the fish oil fatty acids, EPA and DHA (non-essential but are produced from the essential fatty acids).Diets were fed to non-pregnant, cycling, early lactation dairy cows. Reproductive indicators were measured.Ultrasound was used to determine if fatty acids had an effect on follicle and corpus luteum size. The size of the final ovulatory follicle is positively correlated with health and viability of the ovum.Both the Linoleic acid and EPA/DHA treatments caused the final follicles to be significantly larger than the control diet or oleic acid treatments.Cells from the uterus and corpus luteum were isolated and evaluated for their ability to produce prostaglandins. Only cows supplemented with the essential fatty acids directly had a higher capability of producing prostaglandins in these tissues. In this case the EPA and DHA supplement was unable to achieve this.At the end of the trial, cows were all synchronized with HCG and the progesterone profiles were followed for that induced cycle.Only the cows supplemented with Linoleic acid had maintained progesterone in the last days of the cycle. There are two important implications for maintained progesterone levels through the entire cycle. First, if the cows did become pregnant during a cycle, the high progesterone would help assure that the pregnancy is maintained during the early critical phases after implantation. Second, if cows were not pregnant, the high progesterone at the end of the cycle followed by a sharp decline in progesterone at the beginning of the next cycle would improve the expression (behavioral signs) of estrus (heat).We also evaluated the production performance of cows fed these supplements.Milk production was increased for all the supplemental fat treatments compared to control cows. While milk fat percentage was unaffected by treatment, milk protein percentage was decreased with the fish oil fatty acids, EPA and DHA. This is not an uncommon finding as many trials reported in the literature show a milk protein depression when fish oils are fed. These other trials also usually show a decrease in dry matter intake. We did not see a significant depression in feed intake when DHA and EPA were fed, however, there certainly was a tendency for this feed intake depression to occur.Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania (Moate and Chalupa) used the CPM/CNCPS model to evaluate various fat sources in their ability to deliver essential fatty acids to the intestine of cows. The results were published in the Journal of Dairy Science (2002) as an abstract.In the results above, the basal diet (formulated for a cow in early lactation producing 45kg of milk per day) was delivering 500 g of total fatty acids per day. After rumen transformations (biohydrogenation) and accounting for differential absorption for fatty acids, the basal diet delivered 48 g and 1.1 grams per day of Linoleic and Linolenic acids, respectively. Obviously not enough for the cow example requiring 130 to 180 g per day of Linoleic.Another interesting fatty acid that they evaluated was one called trans 18:1 (trans Oleic acid). It is thought that when this fatty acid exceeds 60 g per day in the intestine you can start causing milk fat depression. This basal diet supplied 29 g of trans 18:1.They then evaluated 400 g of additional fatty acids from various sources (M=MEGALAC; MR=MEGALAC-R; EB=Energy Booster-hydrogenated fatty acids; T=Tallow; RSB=Roasted Soybeans; WCS=Whole Cottonseed). Note that MEGALAC-E in South America has double the quantity of essential fatty acids that MEGALAC-R does in North America.Only MEGALAC-R yielded the highest amounts of absorbed essential fatty acids and when added to the amounts from the basal diets, approaches the estimated requirements of the cow. Even roasted soybeans with twice the essential fatty acid content as MEGALAC-R produced less of these for absorption due to rumen transformations.Additionally, notice that the RSB and WCS produced a large amount of trans 18:1 for absorption, which is why we often see milk fat depressions when these are fed at levels on excess of 2kg per day, delivering more than 400g of fatty acids.

    The results from a study conducted at the Miner Research Institute with our first prototype MEGALAC-R product are shown above. In this case, we were not yet certain about the formulation so we used soy fatty acids in the production of the calcium salts. The objective was to evaluate the production performance of cows fed MEGALAC-R prototype versus regular MEGALAC. Theoretically, the two products should act identically in cows with no differences between then in milk productivity.High producing Holsteins were fed MEGALAC or the MEGALAC-R prototype beginning at parturition and continued through the first 10 weeks of lactation.As expected, there were no differences in the production performance of cows. All cows performed well on the diets at over 43 kg milk per day and 4.2% fat. The only differences were in the fatty acid profiles of the milk fat. The milk fat of the cows fed the MEGALAC-R prototype had more CLA and Linoleic acid in the milk, indicating that the fatty acids were protected from rumen biohydrogenation.Upon finalizing the formulation for MEGALAC-R, we went to the University of Idaho to conduct a very similar trial to the one at the Miner Research Institute.The objective is stated above.Trial design is explained above.Again, comparing MEGALAC to MEGALAC-R there were no differences in dry matter intake (DMI) or milk production.Milk components were not significantly affected either.The fatty acid composition of the milk again showed that those cows the calcium salts of the Linoleic acid had higher concentrations of this fatty acid in milk.The conclusions as stated by the authors are shown above.Now we had the basic information to begin field testing a product to determine if there were effects on a productive performance or health functions. We estimated that cows needed more essential fatty acids and we had the research to show that these fatty acids can be delivered to cows in their intestines.In order to have statistically valid information, we needed to recruit large dairy operations that were capable of separating their prepartum transition cows as well as their cows in early lactation. Data collection had to be as precise as if we were conducting a drug trial. This includes a high level of performance by the employees, managers, nutritionists and veterinarians involved.Finally, we had to have reliable reproduction performance data captured in a retrievable database.Our first study was conducted with a MEGALAC-R prototype at the farm Kows-R-Us (KRU) in Idaho. The farm is a 1600-lactating cow farm with open lots and free stalls. They employ a modified target breeding program and monitor all animals on the farm. Their data collection is with DairyComp 305.We examined their records prior to starting any trial and found that their hers averaged 13,000 kg of milk and their pregnancy rate was 17%. Considering the national average for pregnancy rate is 12%, this herd is considered excellent.Since many people define pregnancy rate differently, it would be prudent here to discuss how this metric should be viewed. Pregnancy rate, for the purpose of both economic and herd performance indices, is the number of cows that were confirmed pregnant out of ALL COWS THAT WERE ELIGIBLE TO BECOME PREGNANT (all open cows) within a 21 day cycle. The mistake that people make is that they assume (for example) that if they bred 10 cows this month and 4 of those cows were confirmed pregnant 45 days later, that the pregnancy rate was 40%. This is NOT CORRECT. What was left out of the denominator were all of the cows that were eligible to be bred but never were bred. These cows may not have been considered because they were sick, had silent heats, missed heats, cystic, or for ay number of other reasons. Irrespective of the reason, they were open cows that were not bred and will therefore negatively affect the economics and overall productive efficiency of the farm.To continue with our example of 10 cows bred with 4 pregnancies, there were 15 additional cows that were eligible to be bred but were not. Now the total number of cows eligible to be bred is 25 with 4 confirmed pregnancies. The pregnancy rate for that month is 16%, not the 50% previously calculated.In this trial at KRU we only worked with the prepartum transition cows. These cows were split into two equivalent pens. One pen served as control and the other was the MEGALAC-R prototype treated pen. Treated cows received 115 g per cow per day of the MEGALAC-R prototype from 21 days prepartum through parturition. After calving ALL cows received the same diets, which contained regular MEGALAC.Between June 2000 and March 2001 we had a total of 700 cows (350 per treatment group) that completed the trial. Cows were fed the supplement prepartum but we had to monitor reproduction through successive reproductive cycles.The data above was taken directly from DairyComp 305. The data was sorted by calendar date representing 21-day cycles (all cows irrespective of days in milk). The second column is the number of cows that were eligible to be in heat (Ht Elig) during that cycle followed in the next column by the actual number of cows that were in heat (Heat). Pct is heat detection rate percentage. Pg Elig is the number of cows that were eligible to become pregnant that month (all open cows) and Preg is the number of cows that were actually confirmed pregnant 45 days post insemination. Finally, a PREGNANCY RATE (Pct) can be calculated as a percentage by dividing the pregnancies confirmed (Preg) by the number of cows eligible to become pregnant (Pg Elig).Overall, cows that received the MEGALAC-R prototype prepartum had a significantly high pregnancy rate (24%) compared to control cows (19%). Note that even the 19% rate is considered excellent.We then re-sorted the data by days in milk (DIM). This farm had a 50-day voluntary waiting period before they would breed any cows, which is why the data starts at 50 DIM. Some cows dropped out of the data set resulting in slightly different numbers from the previous slide because cows that were beyond 155 DIM or those that were by chance bred before 50 DIM were included in the previous data set (slide) but excluded here.Again, we see a major improvement in pregnancy rate in cows fed the MEGALAC-R prototype. However, we see that in addition to getting more cows successfully pregnant, that most of the improvement was occurring in the first 2 cycles. Therefore, not only does MEGALAC-R get more cows pregnant but it also gets them pregnant sooner. This is of extreme economic importance to the dairyman.

    Analyzing this data by Chi-Square analysis shows that the pregnancy rate was improved by 24%, which was statistically significant (P


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