Role of Rumen Bypass Nutrients in Dairy Animal’s Health and Productivity: A Review

Ruminants have unique ability to convert poor quality feeds to high value animal protein. The rumen microflora degrades dietary nutrients into volatile fatty acids (VFA) and ammonia for synthesis of microbial crude protein. The microbial protein along with rumen undegradable nutrients reaches small intestine which is sufficient to meet the requirements of maintenance and low producing animals. However, in case of high yielders and physiological stress such as pregnancy, lactation, transition, etc. it becomes a limiting factor. Under above circumstances, rumen protected/bypass nutrients are effective in delivering nutrients directly to the intestine in utilizable and efficient form. Supplementation of rumen protected protein, fat and vitamins improves milk yield, reduces heat stress and boosts immunity. Certain rumen bypass fatty acids can also enhance quality of milk by reducing saturated fat content and also improve the reproductive performance in dairy animals. Thus supplementing nutrients in rumen protected form can result in quantity and quality production from ruminants especially under stressful conditions.