As nutritionists and farmers, we should be looking at ways to unlock more of the genetic potential for milk production and efficiency that we have bred into our dairy cows. It is true to say that we still have some work to do on optimising the environment in terms of cow comfort, improving transition cow management and improving locomotion. However, we must continue to embrace new feeding technologies to achieve this objective.
Our understanding of rumen dynamics and digestion has increased significantly with the implementation of nutritional models such as CNCPS. Therefore, we are able to improve rumen fermentation and optimise the production of volatile fatty acids (VFA) and microbial protein. With our better understanding of the requirements of the rumen bacteria, we have been able to identify nutrients such as isoacids that can increase the production of microbial protein and VFA. Our next objective will be to make best use of the nutrients generated by the rumen and absorbed from the digestive tract. One of the most important nutrients for the cow is glucose, produced in the liver from propionate generated in the liver or absorbed directly from the small intestine.
Glucose: The Fuel Behind Milk Production and Reproductive Health in Dairy Cows
Glucose plays a crucial role in both milk production and reproduction in dairy cows. It is an essential nutrient because of the high demand for milk production, which requires glucose to be synthesized de novo in the liver. Glucose is necessary for the synthesis of lactose, the main sugar in milk, and it controls circulating concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) through its effects on blood insulin concentrations.
In terms of milk production, the mammary gland consumes a significant portion of the body’s glucose, mainly for lactose synthesis. For example, a cow producing 30 kg of milk per day uses at least 1.5 kg of blood glucose to synthesize milk lactose. This high demand for glucose is critical for maintaining milk yield and quality.
Regarding reproduction, glucose is vital for maintaining energy balance and supporting reproductive processes. A cow experiencing severe glucose deficiency or sacrificing too much body condition in favour of milk production can have a direct effect on the quality of the oocyte developing in the ovaries. This can reduce the chances of getting pregnant on time or at all during the subsequent lactation.
Additionally, improved glucose utilization can enhance immune function and shorten the interval to first ovulation, which are beneficial for postpartum reproduction.
Understanding energy utilisation and nutrient partitioning is essential for developing a profitable dairy business. Two nutrients, zinc and chromium, are very important for modulating the way glucose is utilised in the cows’ metabolism and have the potential to help cows achieve more of their genetic potential.
The Importance of Chromium and Zinc in Dairy Nutrition and Glucose Utilisation
Although chromium (Cr) is not an essential trace mineral and is very abundant in feedstuffs, its bioavailability is very poor with an absorption rate ranging from 0.3% to 4.0%, regardless of dose and dietary status. The significance of this is that cows can benefit from an additional source of Cr that can modulate their metabolism.
Chromium and zinc play significant roles in glucose metabolism. Chromium helps improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, which are vital for maintaining proper glucose levels in the blood. Zinc, on the other hand, is essential for the proper functioning of insulin, a hormone that regulates glucose levels. By ensuring adequate levels of these minerals, dairy cows can better utilise glucose, leading to improved milk production and reproductive health.
Chromium and zinc can also have a synergistic effect with other feeding technologies such as Zinpro® IsoFerm®. Zinpro IsoFerm enhances rumen function and has a direct metabolic effect providing the cow with more nutrients for milk production including glucose and branched-chain amino acids (BCAA). BCAA are limiting nutrients with a range of functions including muscle repair and modulation of the mammary gland. To make best use of these nutrients, we need to move them efficiently into the tissues, and this is where Cr and Zn are important.
Zinpro® Availa® ECM3 has been shown to have a positive effect on three important components of efficient production, stimulating dry matter intake (DMI), reducing body weight loss during the transition period and early lactation and improving milk production in the first 100 days of lactation.
Unlocking the First Door: Increased Dry Matter Intake
Dry matter intake is a crucial factor in the overall health and productivity of dairy cows. Adequate DMI ensures that cows receive the necessary nutrients to support their metabolic functions, maintain body condition, and produce milk.
Research has shown that DMI can decline by up to 30% in the last week of gestation. This decline is particularly concerning as evidence suggests that cows become insulin resistant in late gestation; this insulin resistance, coupled with reduced DMI, results in increased tissue mobilization and increased fat infiltration of the liver.
Did you know that studies have shown the inclusion of zinc and chromium in the diet can significantly enhance DMI? For instance, research conducted on transition dairy cows demonstrated an increase in DMI by up to 4.8% during lactation. This improvement is attributed to the optimal balance of trace elements that regulate various body functions, including the immune and reproductive systems, muscle development and glucose metabolism.
Unlocking the Second Door: Enhanced Milk Production
Milk production is the cornerstone of any dairy operation. The ability to produce more milk not only boosts revenue but also ensures the sustainability of your farm. Zinpro Availa ECM3 has been shown to significantly enhance milk production thanks to the ability to spare glucose for milk production. Under normal conditions, cows supplemented with these minerals produced an additional 2.5 kg of milk per day when fed from the beginning of transition through the first 100 days in milk.
Remarkably, under heat stress conditions, the improvement was even more pronounced, with Energy Corrected Milk (ECM) production rising by 3.0 kg. These impressive results highlight the potential of this nutritional solution to maximize milk yields and improve the overall profitability of your dairy farm.
Unlocking the Third Door: Improved Body Weight
Maintaining an optimal body weight is essential for the health and longevity of dairy cows. Excessive body weight loss during lactation can lead to negative outcomes such as lameness, poor fertility and reduced feed efficiency. The inclusion of specific trace minerals in the diet has been shown to mitigate these issues. In addition, studies have demonstrated a 2.1% reduction in body weight loss during lactation when cows are fed Zinpro Availa ECM3.
This improvement is linked to the enhanced dry matter intake and better utilization of glucose, which contribute to a more stable energy status in transition dairy cows. By reducing body weight loss, you can minimize hidden costs such as the energetic cost of putting weight and body condition back on cows, the loss in productivity associated with a reduction in reproductive performance and finally, not forgetting that cows that lose excessive weight are more likely to become lame.
Why This Matters in 2025
As we move further into 2025, the dairy industry faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Climate change, economic pressures and evolving consumer demands are reshaping the landscape of dairy farming. The need for sustainable and efficient practices has never been more critical. Zinpro Availa ECM3 addresses these challenges head-on by providing a holistic solution that enhances the health and productivity of dairy cows while supporting the industry’s sustainability goals.
Zinpro Availa ECM3 offers you a powerful tool to enhance the efficiency and productivity of your dairy operation. By unlocking the three critical benefits of increased dry matter intake, enhanced milk production and improved body weight, this nutritional solution provides a holistic approach to improving the health and wellbeing of your dairy cows. As the dairy industry continues to evolve, innovative solutions like this will play a crucial role in ensuring the sustainability and success of dairy farms worldwide.
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