Vimar's General Manager Mehmet Türker challenges the dairy industry's use of bypass fat, primarily palm oil, in cattle feed due to its potential adverse effects on public health and the environment. Highlighting changes in milk fatty acid composition, Türker advocates for a reconsideration of this common practice.

In a recent statement on LinkedIn, Mehmet Türker, the General Manager of Vimar, delved into the controversial topic of the use of coated palm oil, also known as bypass fat, in dairy cattle.

Türker expressed, "Use of bypass fat (mostly palm oil) has been a common practice in the cattle industry mainly driven by commercial motives." He went on to emphasize his concerns about the potential public health impact of this practice. "Think of it; while the scientific community discourages the use of palm oil in human food items, it continues to be used widely in dairy cattle nutrition," he stated.

Highlighting the potential risks, Türker explained that bypass fat, primarily comprised of palm oil, is added to dairy feeds to enhance fat digestibility and cater to the "energy requirements" of high-yielding dairy cows. This method, although seemingly efficient, can alter the milk's fatty acid composition undesirably.

Drawing attention to specific research findings, Türker mentioned, "Research clearly shows that concentrations of milk fatty acids were affected by the addition of palm oil (bypass fat)." He further detailed, "As the intake of palmitic acid increases with the diets containing palm oil, milk palmitic acid concentrations are increased as much as 50% compared with the control." In addition to these changes, there were noted reductions in the levels of other essential fatty acids, which are crucial for human health.

Türker also pointed out the paradox in dietary recommendations and practices. He remarked, "This is counterintuitive to the advice of independent scientists, who recommend reducing saturated fat intake and increasing unsaturated fat intake."

He urged the veterinary community and scientists to delve deeper into the topic. Expressing his strong views on the subject, Türker said, "I strongly believe that feeding dairy cows palm oil-based bypass fat is NOT a healthy practice." He further emphasized the broader role veterinariansplay, stating, "As veterinarians, we have a great responsibility to improve the lives of not only animals but also communities."

 Besides the health concerns, Türker hinted at the environmental implications of the palm oil industry, though he didn't delve into specifics. He concluded with a call to action, emphasizing, "Let’s NOT surrender ourselves to profiteering and leave our kids a better liveable planet!"

The debate on the use of palm oil in various sectors has been ongoing, and Türker's statement adds a significant voice to the conversation from the perspective of the dairy industry.