Effect of supplemental fat on dry matter intake, nutrient digestibility, milk yield and milk composition of ruminants

Abstract

Use of supplemental fat in the ration of ruminants is increasing. This review provides the recent knowledge on the effect of supplemental fat in ruminants’ diets. In addition, the effect of supplemental fat on the nutrient intake, nutrient digestibility and body weight gain are also discussed. Research conducted on dairy cows shows that extra fat addition decreases dry matter intake (DMI) with the negative effect on digestibility. Gut peptides released in response to extra fat which have negative effect on DMI. This effect is not perceived in ewes and goats. The addition of fat in the diets of ruminants decreased the nutrient digestibility either due to protection of fiber from fermentation or toxic effect on cellulolytic microbes. The supplementation of fat is the good strategy for early lactating cows as fat addition increased the energy density. The trend to use supplemental fat is increasing because fats have 2.25 times more gross energy than carbohydrates.