Production Brief: Lower Crude Protein

Farm Journal logo

Save dollars and the environment.

Many dairy herds have the potential to lower their ration crude protein level by 0.5 to 1.0 unit without impacting milk production, says Larry Chase, an Extension dairy nutritionist with Cornell University. Significant economic and environmental impacts can accompany these changes.

Dairy Today red dot Bonus Content

 

How far can you lower protein?


 
Dairy producers are realizing they have two incentives for lowering crude protein levels. One is improved profitability from more efficiently converting feed nitrogen intake to milk nitrogen output while maintaining or improving milk production. Income over feed cost increases, along with income over purchased feed costs as those costs decrease.
 
Secondly, feeding rations with less crude protein decreases the excretion of nitrogen into the environment and lowers ammonia emissions. The number of acres needed for land
application of manure decreases. When ammonia emission regulations are implemented, the lower animal emissions will be beneficial.
 
A limited number of commercial dairy farms have already taken the step of feeding lower crude protein rations, Chase says. The opportunity to further lower crude protein on these farms may be limited, but they demonstrate that lower crude protein rations can be used while maintaining high levels of milk production.
 
When determining if a herd is a candidate for lower ration crude protein levels, ask these questions:
• Is the current crude protein level greater than 16.5%?
• Is the herd milk urea nitrogen level greater than 12 mg/dl?
• How consistent are daily feeding and feeding management procedures?
• How consistent are forages? Is forage dry matter analysis done at least two to three times per week?
• Do the nutritionist and dairy producer both believe this approach will work?
• How will responses to this adjustment be monitored?
 
—Source: Adisseo, edited by Dairy Today

 

Latest News

Dairy Finances: Being Prepared For Tough Times Has Big Payback
Dairy Finances: Being Prepared For Tough Times Has Big Payback

If there’s any assurance about the economic picture for the dairy industry and agriculture in general going forward in the next few years, it’s that volatility will be a constant.

Who “Nose” When a Calf is Getting Sick?
Who “Nose” When a Calf is Getting Sick?

If you want to stay ahead of calf health and catch sickness in its earliest stage, University of Minnesota Graduate Student Abbigail Prins offers a handy detection tip.

How To Outline Clear Direction For Each Role On Your Team
How To Outline Clear Direction For Each Role On Your Team

“The single most important tool to predict peak performance is a very well-developed job description,” Dave Mitchell says.

Know Your Business Pressures, Trends And Actions For Big Breakthroughs
Know Your Business Pressures, Trends And Actions For Big Breakthroughs

Mark Faust outlines a simple formula to improve profitability and create more value for you and the customer.

Robotic Technology Helps These Dairies Become Better
Robotic Technology Helps These Dairies Become Better

Smart farming robotic technology is all in the name of cow comfort, efficiency and productivity. 

Milk Prices Continue to Fizzle Out
Milk Prices Continue to Fizzle Out

A wild week in milk markets finished on a fizzle.