Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids are bioactive fatty acids that are highly involved in cell signaling within the immune system and reproductive processes. Let’s remember that omega-6 is also 18:2. The same fatty acid that can wreak havoc on milk fat can also cause cellular inflammation, costing the cow energy that could have been used for production.
- Omega-6s are inflammatory, while Omega-3s are anti-inflammatory
- Omega-6:Omega-3 balance directly affects immune function and energy utilization due to inflammation, with most dairy diets heavily weighted to the omega-6 inflammatory side
- Consider adding EPA/DHA omega-3s to reduce early aborts and improve production efficiency by reducing inflammation in lactating cows
- Consider improving omega-6 levels in the prefresh period to enhance immune support during that critical transition period
