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Lipid Supplementation of Dairy Cow Diets

The Hannah Research Institute, Ayr KA6 5HL, Scotland

ABSTRACT

Two aspects of lipid supplementation of dairy cow diets have been examined. Forage intake of cows was measured when lipids were ensiled with ryegrass. Intake of dry matter from silage was reduced by 2.77 and 1.66 kg/kg when tallow and groundnut oil were additives. Animals receiving groundnut oil ingested more energy, produced more milk, but secreted less fat than those receiving tallow supplement.

In a second experiment, maximum voluntary intake of oil by cows in first lactation was 2.5 kg/day of free groundnut oil and 2.2 kg groundnut oil as crushed seeds. All animals developed hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia. Increasing recommended calcium and magnesium in the diet by 50% prevented recurrence of symptoms. Multiparous cows and heifers in first lactation receiving extra minerals then had maximum voluntary intakes of 1.8 kg free groundnut oil and 1.5 kg/day as groundnut oil in crushed seeds. Milk fat secretion was reduced on free oil diets compared to those containing crushed seeds. Direct addition of lipid to diets of only forage are not practical for increasing milk production. Further, high oil supplementation of diets for dairy cows must be accompanied by increased calcium and magnesium.