In Part 1 of this series, we began a discussion of prebiotic and probiotic products used in feeding cattle. The types and species are numerous and in many cases, not well understood. Let’s pick up here on the discussion of different products and applications.

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?

Fresh cows experience many stressors and challenges in the first few days and weeks after parturition. These stressors and challenges take their toll on the cows’ immune systems, making these cows more susceptible to metabolic and health problems. It is crucial that dietary needs are met during the close-up dry period, as well as after calving, in order for the cows to get off to a great start for lactation.

Over recent years, a whole category of additive products have exploded in dairy cow (and other food animal species) nutrition. Microorganism-based products such as yeasts, bacteria, fungi, enzyme products, etc., have become standards in dairy nutrition and are commonly found in a significant number of diets.