In a previous article, I noted that high-palmitic-fatty-acid (greater than 80%) supplements most often decrease dry matter intake (DMI). And, since many studies with that type supplement have been done with midlactation cows over a short term (21 days), it raises the question as to what would be the response in early lactation cows?

About 10 years ago, I was working in another country and asked a question of a nutritionist I had known for 10 years previously: “What fat supplementation are you providing?” I was surprised when she said after about five years’ experience with high palmitic fatty acid (HPFA) supplementation, they no longer used that supplement.