Protein Efficiency in Dairy Cows

As environmental awareness is coming more prominent and rules and regulations are being created for farmers to reduce their environmental impact, lowering concentration of protein fed to cattle is worth considering, to benefit the environment but also increase protein efficiency in dairy cows. 75% of all nitrogen consumed by cattle is excreted as urine or faeces and responsible for environmental damage from production of ammonia gases and nitrous oxide. Soya also creates another issue, soya being a key protein source for dairy cattle but being linked to deforestation of rain forests, suggest another reason to reduce protein concentration. This dairy insight publication explores how low can you go in protein concentration, discusses the new NRC recommendations set to come out later this year, as well as looking into how microbial proteins provide the most balanced form of amino acids for a dairy cow.

Issued July 2020

About Kingshay insight publications

insight publications replace the Farming Notes which have been produced by Kingshay since 1991, publishing on issues critical to the success of a modern dairy farm business. These briefings which now include dairy insight, business insight and research insight, provide dairy farmers, large animal vets, farm consultants and other interested parties with the most important and timely information in a concise two-page format. The information contained in our insight publications is written and updated by our experts to ensure accuracy and save you time.

A selection of insight publications and Farming Notes are available to buy individually from our online shop. To gain access to all our publications become a Kingshay member.