Let’s play a simple word association game. When I say “milkfat,” what do you say? Palmitic? That’s what I’d expect 80% of you to say if we were having this conversation in person.

Researchers are exploring ways to modulate the diverse population of ruminal microorganisms to improve energy and protein efficiency in the rumen. Feed additives can support this objective by inhibiting or stimulating specific microbial populations.

Many factors can impact a cow’s productivity and there are just as many tips and tricks to help address production challenges on a dairy farm. Along with herd management, feed additives are valuable tools to support and achieve milk yield and component goals.

There are more microbes in the rumen of a single feedlot animal than there are humans on earth. If you think it’s challenging for all of those people to work together, imagine what’s going on in the rumen.