Substitution of fat for a grain is a method for increasing energy density without compromising fiber content. Fats have over twice the energy density of grain so they can be used to boost ration energy density by replacing grain, leaving the fiber portion intact. In addition, feed intake is often depressed when rations contain supplemental fat. This has lead to confusion about including fat in rations for fresh cows. Seymor et al.
Soy protein is the primary plant protein in both rations.
A small amount of corn gluten meal and wet brewers grains are additional plant proteins in the commercial dairy. In the commercial dairy, blood meal and fish meal are provided by a custom mix that also contains Soy Plus and the lactose and barley. Both herds use Megalac as a source of rumen inert fat and Megalac Plus to provide methionine in rumen inert fat. The commercial dairy also uses whole cottonseed. At NBC, the fresh cow ration is formulated for 36 kg milk at 18 kg DM intake.