Fat Quality and Feeding Value of Fat for Feedlot Cattle

While much attention has been directed at understanding factors influencing the NE value of supplemental fat (Zinn, 1994), alterations in NE do not necessarily form the basis for constraints on supplementation. Indeed, greater concern is often directed at potential detrimental effects of supplemental fat on diet acceptability and feed intake (Brethour et al., 1957; BuchananSmith et al., 1974; Cameron and Hogue, 1968; Cuitun et al., 1975; Dinius et al., 1975; Hatch et al., 1972; Johnson and McClure, 1972; Lofgreen, 1965; etc). Although the reasons for the occasional negative impact of supplemental fats on diet acceptability are far from clear, each time the problem arises attention is drawn to the importance "quality".