CALCIUM SOAPS OF FATTY ACIDS WITH VARYING UNSATURATION AS FAT SUPPLEMENTS FOR LACTATING COWS

Abstract

Calcium salts of fatty acids with varying unsaturation were fed to lactating cows. Low rumen pH depressed milk fat percent; low linoleic acid in milk fat with dietary soya soap suggested rumen dissociation and biohydrogenation of the soap fatty acids. Calcium soaps may require maintenance of rumen pH above 6. Key words: Calcium soaps, unsaturated fatty acids, milk fat, biohydrogenation