The aim of this paper is to review and systematize the current state of knowledge on glycol metabolism in cattle. Glycerol, derived from biodiesel production, must be purified in order to be a useful product for feeding livestock. The use of glycerol in the feeding of ruminants can be justified for several reasons: (i) it is a source of energy in the ration, (ii) it is a glucogenic precursor, and (iii) it may have an effect on milk composition. The high energy value of glycerol provides the opportunity to use this raw material as a partial grain substitute in cattle feed rations. Dietary supplementation of glycerol is associated with increased propionate, butyrate, valerate, and isovalerate concentrations in the rumen. Glycerol can be used at up to 10%-15% of the dietary dry matter (DM) and is well-established as a treatment for ketosis in cows. Glycerol increases plasma glucose and may reduce non-esterified fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate levels. The use of glycerol does not have a clear effect on DM intake, milk yield, or milk composition. However, some authors have reported an increase in milk yield after glycerol supplementation associated with decreased milk fat concentration. It is also possible that the concentration in the milk of odd-chain fatty acids and cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid may increase after glycerol application.
Keywords: dairy cows; glycerol; ketosis; metabolism; rumen microorganism.