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MEGALAC® Protected Fat |
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What is Megalac?
Megalac is a combination of palm fatty acids and calcium.
The calcium protects the fatty acids from breaking down in the rumen, so they pass intact to the acidic (pH 2.5) lower gut for digestion. The combination of rumen protection, high digestibility in the lower gut and high efficiency of energy use explain the superior Net Energy of Lactation value (NEL) associated with Megalac. Rumen protection also means that higher levels of energy can be fed without disrupting the rumen, while also decreasing the risk of acidosis.
Manufactured in the UK, Megalac is produced to meet existing European feed safety regulations and quality standards.
No Other Feed Ingredient Provides More Energy for Milk Production than Megalac
Megalac is proven to supply the most energy for milk production. A proportion of energy from every feed is lost in faeces, urine and gas (methane), while inefficiencies in use of energy in feeds leads to further energy losses as heat. The energy remaining after subtraction of these losses from total energy intake is called net energy and is used for maintenance and production purposes. The amount of energy ‘lost’ varies between feeds. Trial work by Drackley (1999) showed that Megalac is highly digestible (96%) and studies at the United States Department of Agriculture (1991) demonstrated that Megalac has the highest measured NEL value (6.52 Mcal/kg DM) of any feed ingredient, meaning that very little energy is ‘lost’.
Why Feed Megalac?
Energy is Extremely Important Post-calving
Peak milk production coincides with a period when feed intake is low. Hence, there is a fine balance between intake, milk production and live weight or body condition score. Feeding Megalac helps to satisfy the energy demands of high yielding dairy cows. Work at Myerscough College found that cows fed 600g of Megalac per day maintained higher body condition scores at turnout to spring grass than those fed a lower energy diet (Goodman et al., 2003).
Production Benefits
Megalac Increases Milk Yield
More energy = more milk. Trial work on farm and at Universities and research centres over the last twenty-five years has provided practical evidence to prove that Megalac increases milk yield. Results from 18 research studies showed an average increase in milk yield of 2.3 litres per cow per day by feeding Megalac. Work with high yielding dairy cows at the University of Reading reported major increases in milk yield maintained over the first 17 weeks of lactation when Megalac was included in the diet.
Fertility – a Costly Issue
On average a cow will be in the herd for just over 3 lactations (Milk Development Council, 2000). Poor fertility or reproductive problems are the main reason given for a culling decision, so the major impact these have on performance and profitability of the herd is clear. It is estimated that failure to get a cow back in calf costs £3 for every day ‘lost’ (Beever, 2004).
Megalac Helps Improve Fertility
Cows that do not consume enough energy will lose too much body weight and may not get back in calf, or take longer to return to oestrus. A recent trial at the University of Edinburgh (2005) recorded a 23.6% increase in 100 day in-calf rate when Megalac was included in the diet. Davies (1992) reported that cows fed Megalac had reduced calving to first service interval and fewer days from calving to conception.
The Financial Benefits
Features and Benefits of Megalac
Feeding Systems and Rates
Aim to include 0.5 to 0.75kg/cow/day of Megalac in the post-calving ration.
Gradually incorporate Megalac into the ration over a few days to help acclimatise the cow/heifer to the new ingredient.
When feeding Megalac pre-partum, introduce it gradually over the last 3 weeks of pregnancy, while ensuring the mineral balance is correct as Megalac contains 9% calcium.
Megalac is available in 25kg bags, mini-bulk and in bulk. It can be fed via total mixed rations and home mixes and is included in many dairy blends and compounds.
Typical Analysis
Freephone 0800 919808, or contact your Volac Business Manager via
our Advice Line, for further information and details of your local
stockist.
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