Productive and metabolic responses were determined in ewes given diets containing calcium soaps of fatty acids for a period of 90 days after lambing as compared with ewes given a control diet.
Yield of milk and milk fat, milk protein and milk lactose were increased over the experimental period by feeding calcium soaps. Live-weight changes after lambing were not different in the two experimental treatments. No changes in rumen metabolism were observed when calcium soaps were offered whereas plasma concentrations of protein, glucose, triglycerides, phospholipids and cholesterol were enhanced.
It is concluded that calcium soaps of fatty acids can be included in diets of ewes to increase production of milk and milk solids.
