Lactation response of cows to different levels of ruminally inert conjugated linoleic acids under commercial conditions

Dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplements have been shown to reduce milk fat synthesis in dairy cows. A rumen-inert source of CLA is required for commercial feed applications. The conversion of dietary lipids to a calcium salt is considered as a method to counter the extensive hydrogenation of dietary lipids that occurs in the rumen. Our objective was to determine whether feeding calcium salts of CLA under commercial conditions would affect milk production, milk composition and blood metabolic profile. A total of 240 dairy cows from eight farms were blocked according to the calving date, and randomly assigned to four treatments providing CLA at 0, 8, 16 and 32 g d-1. Milk production was recorded and milk was sampled on day 0, 7, 14, 28 and 42 of the feeding period. Blood samples were taken on day 42 from early-lactating cows (< 157 d in milk) to determine the metabolic profile. Milk fat yield was decreased 11, 20 and 28%, and milk fat concentration was reduced 13, 22 and 28% (linear; P < 0.001) when cows received 8, 16 and 32 g d-1 of CLA, respectively. Milk yield, milk protein and blood metabolic parameters were not affected by experimental treatments. Calcium salts of CLA can be used as an effective tool to manage milk fat content on commercial dairy farms. Key words: Conjugated linoleic acid, milk fat, ruminally inert fat