Sweet results from feeding glycerine

On-farm trials in Wiltshire and Shropshire have shown that feeding glycerine to dairy cows has improved body condition and resulted in fewer metabolic problems after calving.

The trials were carried out on the farms of Stephen Bennett, at Tockenham, near Swindon and Tim Dale, at Ford, near Shrewsbury, using a new product, Glycerene, developed by Newmarket-based Ufac-UK Ltd.

A vet condition-scored the cows and blood samples were analysed by an independent laboratory. Blood samples were taken at 21 days pre- and post-calving before supplementation and again after supplementation. In the Wiltshire trial body score loss was reduced from 0.9 to 0.3 while in the Shropshire trial it was reduced from 0.7 to 0.5.

Improvements in both NEFA (non-esterified fatty acids) " a measure of rapid weight loss and fat mobilisation - and BHB (B-hydroxybutyrate) " a measure of ketone that increases when animals are under energy stress " were both significantly improved.

Treated cows on Stephen Bennetts farm also showed an 80 per cent reduction in metabolic problems and a 10 per cent increase in pregnancies.

Feeding concentrates to stop weight loss in early lactation usually increases milk output and makes matters worse, so we needed a product that diverts all of its energy to the cow itself and not the milk tank,commented consultant nutritionist, Robert Cope.Our on-farm trials back up work carried out at Penn State University in the USA.

Glycerine is a sweet-tasting viscous liquid that is a by-product of biodiesel production and research has shown that it needs to bypass the cows rumen to benefit in this way. Glycerene has been developed as a dry product with a slow-release function to achieve this.

From the trial data there is a strong economic argument for using a dry product rather than a liquid, commented Robert Cope, who has calculated that the benefit from using Glycerene amounted to £370 per cow.

Notes to Editors

Glycerine is used in human food, in skin moisturisers and as an antiseptic.

Ufac (UK) Ltd is a leading supplier of energy supplements to farmers and the trade. It exports to over 20 countries world-wide. The company has particular expertise in dealing with fats and oils.