CHOLINE – THE SILVER BULLET? There are no silver bullets in farming. If there was a management practice that resembled one, then relentless attention to detail would have to be the closest option. When it comes to dairy farming and in particular transition cows then the 4 F’s are often cited as the nearest thing (Forage, Feet, Feed, Facilities) although choline nutrition could be considered a close second.
Traditionally, choline has been fed as a form of ketosis prevention due to its impact on the liver. By supporting and optimising the liver in the dry period the body fat that’s mobilised in early lactation is broken down effectively and the liver avoids being overwhelmed by ketones, but is that the end of the story? The liver is crucial in milk production as it converts the volatile fatty acids produced by fermentation into glucose, which is sent to the udder to become lactose As the liver is integral to energy production (and therefore milk production) it makes it crucial to support and maintain its function in the dry period and into lactation as the demand for fat breakdown on the liver increases 1300% after calving. As the ability to make glucose and therefore energy improves with choline supplementation, more milk and milk solids can be produced. Additionally, conception rates can improve due to improved energy status in the cow. Research and data suggest that choline supplementation has a beneficial effect on “leaky gut”, preventing detrimental pathogens and toxins from being absorbed in the hindgut. Research also suggests that choline supplementation assists with foetal programming – the theory that environment and nutrition experienced during foetal development impacts health across the entire lifespan.
CHOLINE – THE SILVER BULLET?
STRESS ON THE LIVER
1.3kg
Daily fatty acid uptake by the liver increases 13 fold at calving, from 100g to 1.3kg per day Reynolds et
Normal At Calving
al., 2003
100g Daily Fatty Acid Update (gram)
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