The role of the liver in transition cow management: The role of LiFT ” “

LiFTEnergy demands for milk yield in early lactation are extremely high in moderndairy cows. However, the increase in dry matter intake (DMI) lags behind theincrease in energy demands during this period, resulting in a negative energybalance (Figure 1).Cows can mobilise more than 1kg per day of bodyfat to compensate for this energy shortage. Thisbody fat needs to be metabolised in the liver inorder to supply energy. Extensive mobilisationof body fat in high yielding cows puts a lot ofpressure on the liver, which may lead to thedevelopment of fatty liver.Figure 1. Negative energy balance in dairy cowsNegativeenergy balancePositiveenergy balanceWeightDM-intakeNeedsFatty liver is strongly linked with other disorderssuch as ketosis, displaced abomasum, hoofdisorders, mastitis, metritis, retained placenta,reduced fertility and impaired ureagenesis. Thismeans that liver dysfunction is detrimental toanimal health and performance and ultimatelyprofitability.Begin End Begin Mid EndDry periodLactationLiFT is a feed additive that can help optimise theliver’s natural resources to improve performancein high yielding dairy cows and aid improvementsin health, welfare and fertility.“ The role of the liver intransition cow management:The role of LiFT ”

Provimi research has shown that LiFTcan be effective in improving liverfunction and dairy performance.Recent improvements in the formulationof CLS Milk, which is now called LiFT,have improved its effectiveness even more.LiFT has been tested against CLS Milk ina trial at a commercial dairy farm inthe Netherlands.Blood sampling results showed that LiFTperformed even better than CLS Milk inimproving liver function (Figure 2 and 3).Figure 2. NEFA (fat flow to the liver)0.35CLS Milk0.300.250.200.150.100.050.00NEFA (mmol/l)(Provimi, 2010)LiFTFigure 3. NEFA: Cholesterol ratio(the fat supply: fat export to the liver)0.100.080.060.040.020.00CLS MilkNEFA: Cholesterol ratio(Provimi, 2010)LiFTLiFT benefits- Improves fat metabolism in the liver- Leads to more efficient utilisation of dietary nutrientsand reduces the mobilization of body fat- Improves energy supply to the mammary glandIncreases yield- Decreases risk for development of fatty liver and ketosisTable 1. Recommended feeding rates per head per dayDry periodLactation: 0 - 100 DIM100+ DIMBCS* 2.75 - 3.5 BCS* > 3.550 grammes 75 - 100 grammes100 grammes 100 grammes50 - 100 grammes 50 - 100 grammes* BCS = body condition scoreP.O. Box 50633008 AB RotterdamT + 31 (0)10 423 95 00 F + 31 (0)10 484 56 24E info@provimi.nl I www.provimi.nl