Deltagreen®: a strategic nutritional response at the start of lactation
The start of lactation is one of the most critical phases in the ruminant production cycle. In dairy cows, energy requirements rise sharply as soon as calving begins, while ingestion capacity remains limited. This situation frequently leads to an energy deficit, with direct consequences on metabolic balance, milk production and reproduction.
Deltagreen® has been developed to meet precisely these challenges, by providing efficient, progressive and targeted energy, while supporting rumen and liver function, key organs for metabolic adaptation at the start of lactation.
Energy deficit in early lactation: a major challenge
In the first few weeks after calving, intake does not cover the energy requirements associated with peak milk production. The animal then mobilizes its body reserves, resulting in an increased flow of non-esterified fatty acids to the liver. When liver capacity is exceeded, fatty acid breakdown becomes incomplete, favoring the accumulation of ketone bodies and the onset of clinical or subclinical ketosis.
This metabolic imbalance results in :
- a drop in milk production,
- excessive weight loss,
- a deterioration in reproductive performance,
- and an estimated economic impact of around €290 per affected cow.
Deltagreen®: an energy source tailored to start-up needs
Deltagreen® is a palatable liquid product combining three major families of sugars with complementary kinetics, each playing a specific role in covering energy needs:
- Slow sugars from starch (maltose, dextrins)
- stimulate rumen bacteria to extract starch and fiber,
- promote the progressive production of volatile fatty acids (VFAs),
- provide lasting support for rumen activity.
- Simple sugars
- provide rapidly available energy,
- contribute to securing the energy transition without fermentative excess.
- Hepatic carbohydrates (fructose, sorbitol)
- stimulate hepatic gluconeogenesis,
- help bypass the inhibition caused by the increase in insulin,
- support blood glucose production in times of deficit.
This combination enables energy production to be spread out over time, limiting the metabolic jolts observed with certain conventional energy sources.
Targeted liver support: a key asset in early lactation
The liver is at the heart of post-partum metabolic adaptation. Deltagreen® incorporates a combination of different ingredients (artichoke, gentian, milk thistle) recognized for their action on the hepato-digestive sphere.
This synergy of ingredients helps to :
- limit liver congestion and the risk of acetonemia.
- facilitate digestion of fats,
- support the liver in managing lipid flows,
Rumen stimulation and improved feed intake
In early lactation, feed intake is a major limiting factor. Deltagreen® acts on several levels:
- Prebiotic effect of starch-derived sugars on ruminal flora,
- Increase in total VFA production, particularly butyric acid,
- Development of ruminal papillae, improving the surface area for nutrient absorption,
- Very good palatability, demonstrated by an increase in intake of up to +650 g dry matter per day in field trials.
Increased intake boosts overall energy intake and speeds up the return to nutritional balance.
Measurable zootechnical results right from the start of lactation
Comparative trials show that the use of Deltagreen® in early lactation allows :
- improved fiber digestibility (NDF),
- more intense ruminal activity,
- and higher milk production than conventional monopropylene glycol, with an average gain of +3% over the first 28 days of lactation.
Thanks to its innovative formulation combining progressive-release sugars and plant-derived ingredients, Deltagreen® is a complete nutritional solution for ruminants at the start of lactation.
By simultaneously supporting the rumen, liver and ingestion, it provides effective, safe and sustainable energy, while helping to optimize the technical and economic performance of livestock farms.
CUSTOMER SUCCESS STORY
Read our breeders’ testimonials on the use of Deltagreen
- Gaec Montflanc in Fourgerolles du Plessis (53): Samuel LEMÉE
- Gaec du Tertre in Desertines (53) : David Pottier