There are two fatty acids which are essential, meaning the body cannot make them and they must be supplied in the diet. These are Linoleic Acid (18:2) and Alpha Linolenic Acid (18:3). Linoleic Acid is an Omega-6 fatty acid and Alpha Linolenic Acid is an Omega-3 fatty acid. The number following “Omega” tells where the first double bond occurs. Body cells are capable of then converting these omega fatty acids to longer chain specialized compounds. These omega fatty acids are primarily used to produce hormone-like substances that regulate a wide range of functions including: skin condition, blood pressure, blood clotting, blood lipid levels, the immune response, and the inflammation response to injury/infection. 
Sometimes they work together and sometimes in opposition.
Supplementing an Omega-6 source (Prequel) will help the reproductive tract get prepared for the next pregnancy. It provides the essential fatty acids that support normal recovery from calving and return to faster heats. For beef cows, the recommended feeding rate for Prequel is 0.25 lb for 45 days before flushing.
Vigortone conducted a trial where 25 donor cows were hand fed 0.25 lb of Prequel for 45 days before flushing. When the cows were flushed, there was an increase in the quality of the eggs flushed. Ninety-five percent of the eggs were Number One eggs.
Omega-3 fatty acids reduce the output of prostaglandin F2-alpha and increase the CL and progesterone output. StrataG supplementation (Omega-3 source) after breeding improves embryo survival, critical for embryo recipient cows. Omega-3 fatty acids balance prostaglandin levels aiding normal embryo growth. For beef cows, the recommended feeding rate for StrataG alone is 0.25 lb for 21 to 28 days pre- and a minimum of 60 days post-transfer.
Vigortone also conducted a trial using Vigortone ETR Mineral (ETR). Vigortone ETR Mineral contains StrataG. Eight ounces of ETR provides four ounces of StrataG. For this trial, two different purebred Angus operations were involved. One operation fed ETR free-choice for 60 days and the other operation did not feed ETR. The same technician transferred eggs at the two operations one day apart. The pregnancy rate for the cows fed ETR was 62.9%. The pregnancy rate for the cows not fed ETR was 40%.
Vigortone ETR Mineral is to be fed free-choice at the rate of 8 ounces/head/day to embryo recipient cows. Vigortone ETR Mineral should be offered beginning 21-28 days before embryo transfer and 50 days after.
Suggested standard recipient cow protocol for feeding ETR Mineral is as follows:
Vigortone ETR Mineral
Download tech sheet pdf
