The addition of lactose to the diets of dairy cows fed protected fats

Rumen inert fats are often included in dairy rations to increase the metabolisable energy (ME) supply whilst maintaining rumen function. Protected fat supplements have been shown to increase milk yields and fat content but with an associated and undesirable reduction in protein content. A reduced intake of rumen available energy (FME) may limit the microbial protein yield and so reduce the supply of amino acids to the mammary gland. Lactose supplements have been shown to increase the flow of microbial protein to the intestines (Chamberlain et al, 1993) and to reduce the effect of protected fats on milk protein content during early lactation (Garnsworthy, 1996). A trial was conducted to determine whether lactose supplementation could reduce the effects of protected fats on milk protein content during mid lactation.