New perspectives in ruminant feeding
Isoacids (branched-chain volatile fatty acids, BCVFA) are build in the rumen from branched-chain amino acids. They provide fiber-degrading microbes with important energy and nitrogen which is essential for effective fiber digestion. However, the body’s own production is often insufficient during high performance or when rumen function is impaired.
The targeted supplementation of isoacids via the TMR closes this gap, increases the efficiency of the rumen microbes and improves the cow’s overall performance.
Advantages of isoacids at a glance:
- optimized supply of the fiber-degrading microbes in the rumen
- more MP and better energy supply
- improved glucose metabolism
- reduced risk of ketosis and lower body mass loss after calving
- stable performance during heat stress
- increased milk yield and feed efficiency
Current studies prove this:
- +3% NDF digestibility (Mitchell et al. 2023)
- +6.6% microbial bacterial mass per kg of digested organic matter (Mitchell et al. 2023)
- +7.3% higher milk yield (Redoy et al. 2025)
The advantages of the supplementation of isoacids in the transition period via the AHRHOFF feeding concept were confirmed in a master’s thesis:
- +7.9% more milk (kg)
- +5.9% more fat (kg)
- +6.3% more protein (kg)
- +6.6% more FECM (kg)
Conclusion:
Isoacids are already an important part of selected AHRHOFF supplements. They are an effective building block for stable performance – especially in critical phases such as the transition period or during heat stress.
Our AHRHOFF supplements Browser® Close Up 2.0 ISO, Browser® Close Up 30 ISO, Browser® Fresh 50 Pro ISO and Clex® PP 616 smart & cool ISO are therefore supplemented with isoacids and specifically optimized for such specific and challenging situations.
In addition, the latest version of the CNCPS model (Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System) takes into account the effect of isoacids, so that an even more precise and efficient performance prediction is possible through a calculated ration.
