How to feed your herd for optimal protein production

For producers that are paid on multiple component pricing, milk protein can have a substantial effect on profits. In this month's Hoard's Webinar, Nutrition Consultant Mike Schwab discussed the "why" behind low milk protein and revealed how to increase this component on a dairy. 

What can cause low milk protein?

• Overfeeding fermentable starch, sugars, and/or fat.
• Underfeeding peNDF.
• Feeding spoiled and contaminated feed.
• Inconsistent feeding practices and herd nutrition, i.e. poor mixing, inconsistent feeding frequency, etc.
• Too little RDP and/or RUP in the ration.
• Low quality RUP.

Count on a Patz Vertical Mixer to produce
a high-quality, consistent ration for your herd!

How do I feed for protein production?

• Deliver high quality feeds.
• Provide well-balanced and consistent rations.
• Feed blend of high quality fermentable carbs and physically effective fiber.
• Incorporate high-Lys protein and/or RPLYS supplements.
• Feed rumen-protected Met supplement.
• Only supplement RUP as needed. An excess increases ration costs and could lower milk/milk component yields.

"Take-home" messages:

Cows love the palatable TMR
that Patz Vertical Mixers deliver!

• Feeding for protein production increases milk yield, protein percentage, protein yield, and a dairy's profitability. 
• Feeding for milk protein ¹  feeding more protein.
• Nutrition models are valuable tools.
• Eliminate environmental and facility stressors wherever possible.
• *Ultimately, cows are more accurate than nutrition models when making final decisions!

Source: "Feeding for Protein Production" Hoard's Webinar presented by Chuck Schwab, Nutrition Consultant. September 12, 2011.