In the past year the perfect storm has occurred. Lower component production trends and historically high prices in 2011 allowed dairy producers the ability to take advantage of potential profits. Research continues to show how one feeding practice is helping producers capture this opportunity.

Cows inside a barn

Research conducted in 2010 at Washington State University found that when cows were fed DCAD Plus® Stabilized Potassium Carbonate, milk fat production increased significantly¹. Following this on-farm study, a fermenter trial at Clemson University² investigated the mechanisms by which DCAD Plus influenced fat production. The trial concluded higher levels of potassium led to more complete biohydrogenation of trans fatty acids (conjugated linoleic acids) in the rumen, an indicator of greater milk fat production, or a reduction in milk fat depression.

“Our 2010 research found that potassium carbonate from DCAD Plus caused rumen activity to return to a normal state free from bad lipid compounds that cause milk fat depression,” said Dr. Jenkins. “These results spurred additional research to determine whether other potassium sources could produce the same effect.”

New research³ completed in 2011 by Dr. Jenkins investigated the effect, if any, different potassium sources had on biohydrogenation. The study provided a closer look at the effect of DCAD Plus, potassium chloride and no supplemental potassium (control) on the production of intermediate trans fats associated with milk fat production or depression.

The study evaluated six diets using rumen fermenters:

  • High-Fat Diets (supplemented with soybean oil):
    1. No added potassium
    2. 3% potassium from DCAD Plus
    3. 3% potassium from potassium chloride
  • Low-Fat Diets:
    1. No added potassium
    2. 3% potassium from DCAD Plus
    3. 3% potassium from potassium chloride

DCAD Plus outperformed potassium chloride and the control, delivering the following benefits:

  • More complete biohydrogenation. Potassium from DCAD Plus caused a more complete biohydrogenation of rumen fatty acids through the more desirable pathway, leading to the development of stearic acid, necessary for optimal milk fat production.
  • Improved “good pathway” intermediates. Rations containing DCAD Plus improved the intermediates associated with the desirable pathway of rumen fatty acid biohydrogenation crucial to reaching peak milk fat production.
  • Increased acetate and butyrate, the volatile fatty acids responsible for half the fat destined for the udder.

Research Conclusions

The benefits associated with increasing dietary potassium with DCAD Plus were not observed when potassium chloride was used as the source of dietary potassium. Researchers concluded that chloride must have negated the positive effects associated with potassium in the rumen.

Utilizing these research conclusions, Dr. Jenkins is hopeful that DCAD Plus can serve as a remedy for dairy operations that are experiencing low milk fat levels. Bottom line: DCAD Plus can help dairy producers improve profits by boosting milk fat production.

“Although we know the benefits DCAD Plus offers to the dairy herd, there is still more to understand about its mechanisms,” said Dr. Jenkins “Research at Clemson University continues to further evaluate how DCAD Plus works at improving conditions in the rumen.”

1 White R, Hairrson J, Kincaid R, Block E, St-Pierre N. Effectiveness of potassium carbonate to increase dietary cation-anion difference in early lactation cows. J Dairy Sci 2008;91:Abstr.106.
2 Jenkins TC, Block E, Harrison JH. Shifts in fermentation and intermediates of biohydrogenation induced by potassium supplementation into continuous cultures of mixed ruminal microorganisms. 2010 ADSA Annual Meeting; July 11 – 15, Denver, Colorado; Abstr. 746.
3 Jenkins TC. Rumen fermentation trial. Data on file, 2011.