The metabolic transition from pregnancy to early lactation of dairy cows is characterized by significant increases in glucose demand for milk synthesis. Supplementing conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) may spare glucose due to the milk fat depressing effect of the trans-10, cis-12 CLA isomer, and allows repartitioning nutrients despite an energy deficiency in early lactation. We hypothesized that dairy cows supplemented with CLA would have a decreased HGC glucose infusion rate during early lactation. We conducted 3 consecutive hyperglycemic clamps (HGC) in wk −2, +2 and +4 relative to parturition in Holstein cows (ad lib. feeding of hay) supplemented daily either with 70 g of lipid-encapsulated CLA (6.8 g trans-10,cis-12 and 6.6 g of cis-9,trans-11 CLA isomer; CLA; n = 11) or 56 g of control fat (hydrogenated palm fat, CON; n = 11). From wk −3 up to wk +4 relative to parturition, milk yield and DMI were recorded daily, while BW and milk composition were obtained once weekly. Blood samples were taken once weekly and every 30 min during the HGC (before infusion, during 4 h of glucose infusion and 2 h thereafter). Plasma was analyzed for concentrations of glucose, fatty acids (FFA), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), insulin, triglycerides (TG), cholesterol, and RQUICKI was calculated as indicator for insulin sensitivity. CLA supplementation did not affect performance and metabolism except higher BHB, cholesterol (P < 0.05), and TG (P < 0.10). Furthermore, insulin concentrations and insulin sensitivity were higher by trend in CLA (P < 0.10). During the HGC in wk+2 and +4, insulin response was lower and decrease of FFA and BHB greater compared with the HGC in wk −2 though glucose target concentration achieved during the steady state period was similar for all 3 HGC. Our findings suggest that body reserves are preserved through CLA feeding without restraining the animal’s performance. Furthermore, CLA effects on cholesterol and TG concentrations indicated beneficial effects on hepatic lipid export contributing to an improved efficiency of prevailing metabolites in circulation.