Researchers tested whether adding special fat supplements to dairy cow feed could improve milk production and change the types of fat in the milk. They compared three feeding approaches: regular feed with no added fat, feed with palm oil salts, and feed with a mix of plant and animal oils. The study found that cows eating either type of fat supplement produced more milk and made milk with healthier types of fat compared to cows eating regular feed. Both fat supplements worked similarly well, suggesting farmers have options when deciding how to feed their dairy cows.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether adding different types of fat to dairy cow feed would increase milk production and change the nutritional quality of the milk
  • Who participated: 24 Holstein dairy cows (a common milk-producing breed) that were actively producing milk, averaging about 36 kilograms of milk per day
  • Key finding: Cows fed fat supplements produced about 1.8 to 1.9 kilograms more milk per day compared to cows on regular feed, and the milk contained more healthy unsaturated fats
  • What it means for you: If you drink dairy milk, fat supplements in cow feed may increase the amount of healthier fats in the milk you consume. This could be beneficial for heart health, though individual results may vary based on the specific supplement used

The Research Details

Scientists divided 24 dairy cows into groups and tested three different feeding plans over several weeks. Each cow tried all three feeding approaches in a rotating pattern, which helps researchers compare results fairly because each cow serves as its own comparison. The three feeding plans were: regular feed with no added fat, feed with calcium salts of palm oil (a special form of palm oil that’s easier for cows to digest), and feed with a mix of encapsulated oils from soybeans, palm, and animal sources. The researchers measured how much the cows ate, how much milk they produced, what the milk contained, and what types of fats were in the milk.

This study design is called a Latin square experiment, which is a reliable way to test multiple treatments because it reduces confusion from other factors that might affect results. By having each cow experience each feeding plan, researchers could see clear differences caused by the supplements rather than differences between individual cows.

Understanding how different fat supplements affect milk production and milk quality is important for dairy farmers trying to make their operations more efficient and produce healthier milk. The study design allows researchers to draw stronger conclusions because each cow acts as its own control, making it easier to see real effects from the supplements

This study was well-designed with a good number of cows (24) and a careful experimental setup where each cow received all three feeding plans. The researchers used statistical methods to ensure their findings weren’t due to chance. However, the study only lasted a few weeks per feeding plan, so we don’t know if the benefits would continue over months or years. The study also only tested one breed of cow (Holstein), so results might differ in other dairy breeds

What the Results Show

Cows that received fat supplements produced significantly more milk than cows on regular feed. Specifically, cows eating regular feed produced about 34.1 kilograms of milk daily, while cows eating palm oil salts produced 35.8 kilograms, and cows eating the mixed oil supplement produced 35.9 kilograms per day. This represents about a 5% increase in milk production.

The fat supplements also changed the types of fat in the milk. Milk from cows eating fat supplements contained higher amounts of unsaturated fats (the healthier type of fat) and lower amounts of saturated fats made by the cow’s body. The encapsulated oil supplement produced milk with higher protein content compared to the palm oil salt supplement.

Both fat supplements improved how efficiently cows converted feed into milk, meaning farmers would get more milk from the same amount of feed. The cows’ ability to digest their regular feed (dry matter digestibility) was not affected by the supplements, suggesting the supplements worked alongside normal digestion rather than interfering with it.

The study found that cows eating fat supplements consumed more fat overall and digested it more effectively. The two types of fat supplements produced slightly different effects on specific fatty acids in the milk, with the encapsulated oil producing higher concentrations of certain beneficial unsaturated fats. Interestingly, both supplements produced similar overall performance results, suggesting farmers could choose either option based on cost or availability

These findings align with previous research showing that adding fats to dairy cow diets increases milk production and changes milk composition. The result that both supplements performed similarly well adds to existing knowledge by showing that farmers have flexibility in choosing fat supplements. The improvement in unsaturated fat content in milk is consistent with other studies examining how diet affects milk quality

The study only lasted about 3 weeks per feeding plan, so we don’t know if benefits continue over longer periods. Only one breed of dairy cow (Holstein) was tested, so results might differ in other breeds. The study was conducted in a controlled research setting, which may differ from typical farm conditions. The sample size of 24 cows is moderate, so larger studies might reveal additional effects. We also don’t know how these supplements might affect cow health or longevity over time

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, adding fat supplements to dairy cow feed appears to increase milk production and improve the fatty acid profile of milk (moderate confidence). Both the palm oil salt supplement and the encapsulated oil supplement showed similar benefits, so either could be used depending on cost and availability (moderate confidence). These supplements appear safe and don’t interfere with normal digestion (moderate confidence)

Dairy farmers looking to increase milk production and improve milk quality should consider this research. Consumers interested in the nutritional quality of dairy milk may benefit from knowing that fat supplements can increase healthier fats in milk. This research is less relevant for people who don’t consume dairy products or those with specific dietary restrictions

Based on this study, benefits in milk production and composition appeared within the 3-week testing period, suggesting relatively quick effects. However, the long-term sustainability of these benefits beyond a few weeks is unknown and would require additional research

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If you’re a dairy farmer, track daily milk production volume and test milk composition (fat and protein content) weekly to monitor the effects of any supplement changes
  • Dairy farmers could use the app to log when they introduce fat supplements to their herd’s diet and set reminders to monitor milk production metrics and adjust feeding plans based on results
  • Establish baseline milk production and composition data before adding supplements, then track these metrics weekly for at least 4-6 weeks to see if benefits persist beyond the initial period tested in this study

This research describes effects of fat supplements on dairy cows in a controlled research setting. Results may vary based on individual farm conditions, cow breeds, and management practices. Farmers considering implementing these supplements should consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist to determine if this approach is appropriate for their specific operation. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional agricultural or veterinary advice. The study duration was limited, so long-term effects are unknown.