Industry Presentation Dietary Essential Fatty Acids and Reproduction in Dairy Cows

Feeding of fat to dairy cows enables a more energy-dense feedstuff to be provided in the ration. Several excellent reviews have been written, which substantiate the merits of feeding fat. In recent years, omega-6 (linoleic acid) and omega-3 (linolenic acid) fatty acids have received attention because they are classified as essential fatty acids (EFA) for dairy cows. Being categorized as an EFA means that feeding of these fats does not result in them remaining patent for absorption across the intestinal wall. Actually, the rumen microbes biohydrogenate both of these EFA, eliminating their double bonds, converting them to stearic acid.