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FAQ'S
FATTY ACID FLOW
Balance Your Omegas. Let Your Cows Thrive.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Omega Balancer?
It is an app designed to easily calculate the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in dairy cow diets. A nutritionist or dairy producer can enter either RATION INGREDIENTS or the results from a TMR FATTY ACID PROFILE analysis. Then, the app calculates the ratio and gives explanations of the results.
What are omega-6 fatty acids?
They are specific fatty acids that are pro-inflammatory in nature and have essential roles in cellular function and animal performance that is beyond just energy. Omega-6s are often overabundant in lactating cow rations, and underfed in transition diets.
What are the main ingredients that add omega-6s to the diet?
Omega-6s are found in common feedstuffs, including cottonseed, corn, corn silage, and distiller’s grain.
What are omega-3 fatty acids?
These specific fatty acids are anti-inflammatory in nature and have essential roles in cellular function and animal performance that is beyond energy.
What are the main ingredients that add omega-3s to the diet?
Omega-3s are found in common feedstuffs, including fish meal, flax seed, and pasture grass.
Are all omega-3 sources the same?
No. There are three types of omega-3s: ALA (plant-based, i.e. flax), EPA and DHA (marine oil based, i.e. fish meal). The research showing significant improvements in reproduction and early milk has been specifically from feeding EPA/DHA Omega-3s.
What is the ideal omega ratio for lactating dairy cattle?
The ideal ratio of Omega-6s to Omega-3s in lactating cattle is 5:1 or less. This ratio is not a recommendation only for dairy cattle, but across species (including humans!).
Why is the Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio important?
Since Omega-6s are pro-inflammatory and Omega-3s are anti-inflammatory, it is the balance of the two that plays a major role in regulating the immune status of an animal. Too many Omega-6s in a lactating cow diet means too much energy wasted in maintaining an overly ‘ready’ immune system.
How much research is behind balancing the omega ratio in dairy cattle?
A tremendous amount of research on omega fatty acids in dairy cattle has been performed over the past decade, with the University of Florida and Dr. Bill Thatcher’s lab leading the charge. While there is always more work to be done, Dr. Thatcher and his team have demonstrated consistent and repeatable results in milk, reproduction and immune health through altering the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in dairy cattle diets.
What is Prequel with omega-6s?
A calcium salt of fatty acid supplement that is high in omega-6s. Just 1/4 lb. of Prequel in a 21-day close-up diet delivers significant improvements in transition performance and in 1st service conception rates.
What is Strata with EPA/DHA omega-3s?
A calcium salt of fatty acid supplement that is high in EPA/DHA omega-3s. Early lactation milk responses are linear to amount of Strata fed, with 10.8 pounds of early milk at the highest feeding rate of 4/10 lb. Reproductive research at the ¼ lb. feeding rate yields significant reductions in early aborts and improvements in early conception.
Want to see the latest research on omega balancing?
Watch the "Effects of Altering the Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio on Lactation Performance and Immune Response," by Dr. Jose Santos, University of Florida.
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