October 28, 2009
Kemin study finds dairy diets should be based on amino acids
Dairy cow requirements depend on the amino acid profile of the diet, indicating that dairy formulation should be based on amino acid requirements, according to a study by Kemin in collaboration with INRA.
Rumen-protected methionine is frequently added to diets as methionine is the main limiting amino acid in dairy production. Any rumen-protected product should be evaluated by their bio-availability and impact on animal performance.
Smartamine and MetaSmart are the only two sources of Met specially registered for dairy cattle, said the study.
With current milk prices, pressure is on to reduce feed costs. Reduction of ration protein content, with balanced amino acids (digestible methionine >33 percent of digestible lysine) is the best way to reach this target, without affecting performances.
The efficiency of dietary protein utilisation, both crude and metabolisable, increases when essential amino acids are better balanced. As a result the same performance can be achieved, with less protein in the ration.
