By varying ration ingredients, dairymen can encourage either increased butterfat production or higher total milk volume. Ration cost and net return ultimately influence final decisions. To balance the ration in favor of butterfat production, Kujawa advises maintaining adequate levels of starch or nonstructural carbohydrates while increasing fiber levels. In the rumen, feedstuffs break down differently. Fiber produces higher levels of acetate, a precursor to butterfat.
Grains produce a high proportion of propionate which yields glucose for higher milk production.
Numerous factors can upset the rumen from rapid changes in feedstuffs to environmental stresses. Yeast culture, however, stands out for its ability to nurture rumen microflora. A healthy microflora population helps minimize the effects of rumen-upsetting factors. Dairy cows with healthy, stable rumen microflora more efficiently break down feedstuffs for greater feed utilization and maximum production levels. Healthy, stable rumen microflora help optimize rumen efficiency and performance for greater herd productivity and profitability.