Trouw Nutrition International is launching Rumenac, a four-step ruminant feed evaluation system for more efficient and accurate rationing in dairy cows. The system effectively evaluates and enhances all-important rumen fermentation, as well as the supply of aminogenic, ketogenic and glycogenic nutrients, which are key for milk production. Rumenac details the characteristics of the feed’s fermentable compounds, delivering greater rumen stability and improved animal health. As a result, the animal utilizes feed more efficiently, improving milk composition and increasing production.
Developed by Trouw Nutrition’s parent company, Nutreco, the system is based around four key elements. The first of these is the evaluation of the nutrient value of fermentable carbohydrates and proteins in the rumen using the nylon bag technique. By doing so, Trouw Nutrition is able to enhance important microbial processes in the rumen. In addition, the levels of butyric, propionic and acetic acid are rigorously evaluated to help protect the cow from rumen acidosis, a disease which can significantly decrease the fat content of milk.
Secondly, the Rumenac system increases the amount of digestible intestinal protein produced by microbial protein synthesis by improving ration synchronization. This enables the cow to turn available nutrients into milk more efficiently. To better specify the type of energy contained in the diet, Trouw Nutrition uses Gluco-TN and Keto-TN to evaluate the glucose-forming capacity in different feed sources. Finally, a fiber index provides details of the functionality of different fibers in the rumen, helping to ensure optimal gastrointestinal health.
“Existing country-specific feed evaluation systems focus either on digestible protein or energy production. The Rumenac system, on the other hand, gives additional information on both these important elements,” comments Peter van Dooren, global technical manager for ruminants at Trouw Nutrition International. “At a time of rising raw materials prices and difficult market conditions, an accurate and highly effective feed rationing system is an invaluable asset to feed compounders and the dairy farming sector. Rumenac enables a more precise ration calculation, improves the predictability of animal performance and helps the animal to produce better-quality milk. Used in addition to existing national feed evaluation systems, Rumenac provides cost and environmental benefits throughout the industry.”
For more information, visit: www.trouwnutrition.com.
