Effects of the palmitic-to-oleic ratio in the form of calcium salts of fatty acids on the production and digestibility in high-yielding dairy cows.

The form of fat supplements, degree of saturation, and the fatty acid (FA) profile influence cows' production response. The objective was to determine the effects of supplemental fats in the form of calcium salts (CS) of FA (CSFA) with different ratios between palmitic (PA) and oleic (OA) acids on nutrient digestibility and cow performance. Forty-two dairy cows were assigned to 3 groups and fed (for 13 wk) rations that contained 2.

The form more than the fatty acid profile of fat supplements influences digestibility but not necessarily the production performance of dairy cows.

The form of a lipid supplement, its degree of saturation, and its fatty acid (FA) profile greatly influence digestibility and cow productive response. The objective in this study was to examine the effect of fat supplements that differ in their form or FA profile on nutrient digestibility and cow performance. Forty-two mid-lactation cows (128 ± 53 d) were assigned to 3 treatment groups according to milk yield, days in milk, and body weight.