Begin Efforts Now to Manage Summer Milkfat Reduction

Dairy producers should start preparing for the butterfat changes in the summer months. While butterfat gains have increased remarkably, milkfat synthesis is still impacted in the summer months. Some geographies might see low-fat risk when cows produce lower protein and fat percentages, while other areas might be affected more by heat stress and chronically low fat.

Milkfat synthesis trends are predictable, so producers should have tools on hand to help guide additive/technology strategies for feeding cows. Fiber, acetic acid, starch and microbes contribute significantly to summer milk fat changes. Producers can help by prioritizing forage digestibility and ensuring fat in the diet that doesn’t only come from grain.

Read more on weathering dairy cows’ internal clocks here.