Amino Acids
Formulating for Better AA Efficiency
How to optimize milk protein yield, improve cost efficiency, and reduce nitrogen excretion? The answer: Balance dairy rations for essential amino acids (EAA) rather than their aggregate, metabolizable protein (MP). Canada’s Dr. Hélène Lapierre and U.S. researchers updated the NASEM 2021 guide to MP and EAA, which now recognizes requirements and “efficiency of utilization” of individual EAA.
Protein for Transition
Protein for Transition
In high-producing dairy cows, a top priority is accurately meeting — but not exceeding — energy needs. However, toward the end of gestation, cows also mobilize amino acids (AA) from available protein sources, including skeletal muscle. Purdue University’s Dr. Jackie Boerman suggests AA dietary support for muscle in dry cows and during early lactation may be economical insurance for a strong transition.
Cow Data That Keeps Coming
Cows themselves can inform diet formulation on an ongoing basis. One result is rethinking crude protein as a metric for diet formulation, says Cornell’s Dr. Mike Van Amburgh.
CNCPS v7: Attention to AA & protozoa
The current commercially licensed versions of the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS v6.5.5 ), refined over more than 30 years, are key to optimal diets used by dairy nutritionists and ration formulators worldwide for millions of cows worldwide.