Medium-chain fatty acids, especially lauric acid, are an important source of fat for young calves. This fast energy source has many health benefits, such as a positive effect on intestinal villi, an antimicrobial effect, and an immunomodulatory effect. These health benefits can ultimately lead to a reduced use of antibiotics.
A new sustainable fat source in calf milk replacer, high in lauric acid, is insect oil. Based on various Schils feed trials (Trial Updates: V3-3F1, V3-082, V3-083, and V3-1F1), we can conclude that a fat combination with a high proportion of insect oil is able to match the same results as a standard fat composition in CMR without loss of technical results.