Researchers assessed the effects of municipal tap water compared with purified water on calf performance and health.

Here’s the catch. IOFC only tells us the economics of what’s going into the tank, not what’s going into the cow for good health and reproduction, and impacting the farm’s true profitability. It measures how well we are converting feed dollars into milk dollars. IOFC values today’s milk but ignores tomorrow’s pregnancies.

While there is still opportunity to further fine-tune the fat budget in our rations as research is devoted in this area, current tools give greater insight as to what strategies are working and which need further adjustments. Who knows, maybe someday balancing our rations with fat will be as easy as balancing that checkbook.

The ability to factor isoacid requirements into ration formulation has allowed numerous dairies across the country to improve herd performance. If you’re looking for ways to make the most of available forages and improve herd productivity, be sure to ask your nutritionist about including isoacids in your herd’s ration.

As supplemental fat costs remain high and at times product consistency comes into question, dairies and their nutritionists' interest in high-oleic soybeans has been soaring.

Producers are encouraged to monitor their test results and assess their farm’s free fatty acid risk factors. A discussion with their nutritionist, veterinarian and/or field service representative can also be helpful to target any free fatty acid concerns.

Let’s walk through the main fatty acids found in dairy diets and talk specifically about the signals they are sending beyond being utilized for energy. While they may seem complex, the stakes are high in understanding their roles as there is a rare function of the cow that is not impacted by fatty acids.