International cooperation has seen a product, researched at Cornell University, bringing a whole new concept to ruminant nutrition.

For some time researchers have been aware of the benefits of supplementing choline, with many experiments showing the benefits to hepatic metabolism from the intra-abomasal supplementation of this important compound.

Choline is a water soluble nutrient (similar to a B vitamin) needed for fat transport and metabolism, nerve action and cell structure.

The problem has been that choline is rapidly degraded in the rumen by micro-organisms and intra-abomasal supplementation is not practical in field conditions.

Balchem Corporation, USA, developed a rumen protected form of choline (87% protected) that could be used to supplement the dairy cow’s choline needs.

Researchers at Cornell University have shown the

benefits of this rumen protected choline specially in lipid metabolism in the transition cow.

In this issue the major feature is about the effects of rumen protected choline on hepatic liver metabolism and how it is now available in New Zealand.

This is cutting edge scientific research and is sourced from reputable journals and websites.

References quoted include:

Hartwell et al J of Dairy Science 83, 2907-2917 2000

Overton and Piepenbrink (1999), Cornell University Total Dairy Nutrition Research. Website www.ansci.cornell.edu/dm

Overton and Piepenbrink (1999), Cornell University Liver metabolism and the transition cow. Website www.ansci.cornell.edu/dm

Staples et al, J of Dairy Science 81. 856-871, (1998).

Erdman and Sharma, J of Dairy Science, 74, 1641-1647, (1991).

And we also feature!

This issue, traditionally between seasons in the farm animal field, contains a report from the “Veterinary Review” on hygiene in the veterinary surgery and, for the small animal practitioner especially, notes from the outstanding presentation from Professor Peter Holt.

There is also an article on petfood that looks at some myths being perpetuated, particularly in the field of label content and also GM ingredients.

Finally, of course, there are the obligatory funnies.