A new easy-to-use glycerine supplement for dairy cows is being launched by Ufac-UK ahead of the Dairy Event (NEC, Birmingham 6 & 7th September 2011).
Feeding glycerine offers many biological and financial benefits, but its treacle-like consistency poses mixing problems for both farmers and compounders. After five years development work, Ufac claims to have overcome these by employing a special manufacturing technique enabling it to be presented as an easily-handled dry meal.
Ufac Glycerene Supplement is designed to be fed for the last 21 days of the cow’s dry period and for 100-150 days into lactation. Unlike fats, the energy from glycerine is diverted to the cow rather than stimulating greater milk production, avoiding the cow ’milking off her back’. This results in a better condition score enabling the cow to conceive earlier.
However, greater milk production does occur later. Research in Europe and the USA has shown that milk output increased from around 42 to 70 days into lactation. Two separate trials showed a massive 6 litre per day improvement.
Ufac Glycerene Supplement is added to the diet at the rate of 500g per cow per day and costs 35p per cow per day, but the company says that farmers can expect a 7:1 return on investment through extra milk yield and improved calving interval. This is worth on average over £350 per cow.
"As a by-product of ethanol production which has increased in recent years because of the high price of oil, glycerine has become affordable. Our product is unique as we are the only company in the country able to offer glycerine in this dry form," commented Robert Jones, Ufac-UK’s managing director.
Notes to Editors: Glycerine is used in human food, in skin moisturisers and as an antiseptic. Considerable research into its use in dairy cows has been carried out in the United States, where it has been more widely available.
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.
