World Dairy Expo: Zinpro’s Isoferm drives 5.5% feed efficiency gain in transition cows
Isoferm offers improved rumen function, stable body condition and stronger hoof health
24 November 2025
2 minute read
By: Dr. Jeff Weyers, a Dairy Technical Services Manager with Zinpro, was recently interviewed by The Dairy Site’s Sarah Mikesell at World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, USA, about unlocking lactation potential with better transitions for dairy cows.
Why is the transition phase such a challenging time for the dairy cow?
When we work with dairy cows, the transition phase becomes so important because we're trying to set them up for a full lactation. If we can get her to come in healthy, that makes the rest of her lactation easier.
We want to keep that cow in the herd. We want her to have a healthy, long lactation, and that's going to increase profitability for the dairy. This is a long-term outlook.
How can dairy producers help their cows move successfully from the late gestation to peak milk production successfully?
Not only are we a trace mineral company, but as you know, three years ago we launched Zinpro Isoferm. What we're seeing with Zinpro Isoferm is that it's an essential nutrient to the fiber digesting bacteria in the rumen. We are directly feeding the bugs in the rumen, and in turn, the cow can do more with less. This is a proprietary blend of isoacids. If the dairymen, nutritionists, and the producers start feeding Zinpro Isoferm in the transition period and throughout lactation, our customers are seeing up to a 5.5% improvement in feed efficiency.
It’s important because of market pressures, the way they are now with feed costs, we at Zinpro are always trying to get the cows to be more efficient which allows the farm to be more efficient.
In addition to the energy and protein aspects of the cow's nutritional needs, what do producers need to be cognizant of during this transition phase of production?
Primarily, it's always important to keep the animals’ health in the forefront. Not only rumen health, but we also want to be cognizant of hoof health. We don't want any lameness in the transition cow pen.
Another thing we want to pay attention to is body condition score. Zinpro Isoferm has been proven to not only decrease dry matter intake and increase milk production, but we're also seeing a body condition score staying the same or improving. So, it's making the cow an overall more efficient animal.
Why is Zinpro so invested in helping dairy producers be successful?
Zinpro is an animal health and well-being company, and we are committed to helping dairy producers make their facility a better place. We have many experts on staff including nutritionists, veterinarians, dairymen and professional hoof trimmers that are going to collaborate one-on-one with the dairymen or nutritionists to identify solutions. It's the people, the products, the research, and everything working together.
How can dairy producers and nutritionists learn more about improving transition outcomes for their cows or connect with a Zinpro dairy nutrition expert?
The main thing to do is find out who your Zinpro rep is. If you don't know who it is, you can go to zinpro.com. The contact list is on the website.
All our product portfolios are listed there along with feeding rates. Then you can contact one of our technical people for Isoferm, and they can guide you through that process.
