What it takes to hit precise targets with functional additives.

Can functional additives provide specific solutions? It all comes down to the data.

Functional additives, such as prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics, exogenous enzymes and plant-based compounds have been in use in dairy cows for over 40 years. Yet, it is only in the last few years that we have started to consider a new way of approaching their application in dairy cow diets.

Historically, functional additive inclusion in the diet has been considered from a “shotgun approach.” Additives that may have some benefit to the cow are fed with the hope that a positive response—preferably milk production—will be observed. This is a “throw it all at her and hope something hits” method.

With the current advances in our knowledge of functional additives, however, it is time to consider applying them through a more precise, targeted “rifle approach.” With this method, we look to the cow to tell us where she needs support, then we select additives designed to hit those targets.

Here’s an example: If we were to target rumen inefficiency, a blend of yeast-based products, probiotics and enzymes focusing on pH management, fiber digestion and microbiome establishment will provide a lot more value to the cow than additives aimed at controlling pathogens.

It starts with identifying key opportunities on-farm

For the “rifle approach” to succeed, it’s vital to have information to act upon.

Through Papillon’s DigesTTive Checkup® program, we review five markers of gut health including nutrient digestibility, manure quality and consistency, ration compliance, and pathogen presence. These five markers provide a good indication if cows are dealing with an inefficient rumen, experiencing lower gut damage or are plagued by pathogens—laying the foundation for a “rifle approach” and targeted solutions.

Observations from hundreds of feed and manure samples submitted via the Papillon DigesTTive Checkup show wide variation in nutrient digestibility by cows. This is driven by variable feed quality, rations, rumen health and overall cow health. When digestibility is challenged, the use of yeasts, probiotics and enzymes can be effective at supporting rumen pH, a healthy rumen microbiome and optimized feed breakdown.

Manure quality and consistency is an excellent indicator for both rumen and lower gut health. Firm manure can be indicative of high passage rates or undesirable NDF and protein levels in the ration. Loose manure and mucin casts suggest intestinal disease and damage or an excessive amount of post-ruminal fermentation. Undigested feed or excessive long forage particles show challenges with feed processing and mixing. Additive use will vary depending on what is observed.

Below are two examples showing variation in manure washing observations.

The final piece of the puzzle is pathogen counts. Pathogens in the environment can colonize the gut leading to cows entering the Stress Response Cascade, which results in intestinal damage, systemic inflammation and secondary health challenges. Additives such as specially selected probiotics and yeast extracts can be used to target specific pathogens and help restore gut health.

The “rifle approach” results in effective and economical outcomes

While the “shotgun approach” to functional additives may have served in the past, producers can make more of their additives with a modern strategy. Because without taking the time to understand the cow’s exact needs, nutritionists and producers may fall into the trap of providing an additive that has no value to the cow, drains the budget and reduces income over feed costs (IOFC). Through a program like the Papillon DigesTTive Checkup, producers and their nutritionists can better identify where a cow needs support to develop an easy, effective and economical additive program that results in visible cow responses whether those be increased production, better health or improved feed digestion.

Ready to get the most from your functional additives? Visit Papillon-Ag.com or speak with your regional sales manager today.