Requirements and Importance of Protein for Dairy Cows and Other Animals
Protein for Dairy Cows and other animals is highly important. In dairy farming, along with other aspects, a balanced and quality diet plays a fundamental role. The secret to a healthy life and excellent production of dairy animals lies in a balanced diet. The most important component of a balanced diet is protein. Crude protein, rumen degradable protein, rumen undegradable protein or bypass protein and balanced protein in dairy feeding is discussed here.
Protein plays a foundational role in the nutrition of dairy cattle. It is not only important for maintaining health but also for enhancing milk production. Protein for dairy cows is also important for efficient growth and reproduction.
This article is written by Amina Nadeem and Rao Sabir Sttar (Assistant Professor at the Institute of Agricultural Extension, Education and Rural Development University of Agriculture Faisalabad)
Important sources of protein for Dairy Cows
Various sources can be used to add protein to animal feed. These sources include oilseeds (e.g. sunflower, soybean), husks of pulses and legumes, green fodder such as lucerne and berseem, protein supplements included in compound feed, and others.
Use of Bakery Waste in Animal Feeding
Importance of Balanced Protein for Dairy Cows?
The correct proportion of standard protein in animal feed gives better results. The proportion of protein should be according to the age, breed, and production of the animal. Giving more or less protein should be avoided because in both cases the health of the animal can be affected. Along with this, the diet should be changed keeping in mind the weather conditions and milk production. Along with a balanced diet, the constant supply of fresh and clean water and the use of appropriate vitamins and minerals provide better protein results.
What is Crude Protein?
The term crude protein (CP) is commonly used in the ration formulation of ruminants, but it does not refer to pure protein content. Instead, it is an estimate based on the total nitrogen content in the feed. Since proteins generally contain about 16% nitrogen, nutritionists multiply the measured nitrogen content of the feed by a factor of 6.25 to calculate the crude protein. For example, if a feed contains 2.4% nitrogen, the crude protein is estimated to be 15%. Crude protein includes both true protein and non-protein nitrogen (NPN) compounds
Digestion and Protein for Dairy Cows
Dairy cows are ruminants, meaning they digest feed in rumen. This process involves two key types of dietary protein:
Rumen Degradable Protein (RDP)
Rumen Degradable Protein is broken down in the rumen by microbes into ammonia and amino acids. The microbes use these building blocks to grow and multiply. As these microbes move through the digestive tract, they are later digested by the cow in the intestines, providing a valuable source of microbial protein.
Rumen Undegradable Protein (RUP) (Bypass Protein
It is also known as bypass protein. Rumen Undegradable Protein escapes degradation in the rumen and is instead digested in the small intestine. This type of protein directly supplies the cow with essential amino acids. Rumen undegradable protein or bypass protein is particularly important for high-producing cows that require more protein than microbial synthesis alone can provide.
Protein and Energy Balance
Effective utilization of protein in the diet depends on the availability of energy. If Rumen Degradable Protein is consumed without enough fermentable carbohydrates, excess ammonia builds up and is converted into urea, which is then excreted in urine. This process wastes nitrogen and puts extra pressure on the cow’s liver and kidneys.
On the other hand, if energy levels are sufficient, the rumen microbes can efficiently use RDP to build microbial protein. Therefore, achieving the right balance between protein and energy is essential for maximizing milk production and maintaining animal health.
Protein Requirements at Different Stages
Protein needs depend on the animal’s production level, stage of lactation, body weight, and reproductive status.
In general:
- Early lactation cows need the highest levels of protein, usually between 16% and 18% crude protein.
- Mid-lactation cows perform well on 15% to 16%.
- Late lactation cows require about 13% to 15%.
- Dry cows and growing heifers typically need 12% to 14%, depending on age and size.
Feeding below these requirements can lead to reduced milk yield, poor growth, reproductive delays, and weakened immunity. Overfeeding, however, leads to protein wastage and environmental nitrogen pollution. So there should be balance feed covering rumen degradable protein and rumen undegradable protein or bypass protein.
Feed Stuff Data of Pakistan and Nutrition Values
Disadvantages of Deficiency Protein for Dairy Cows
If dairy animals are not provided with adequate protein in their diet, many problems can arise, the most important of which is a significant decrease in milk production. Along with this, the weight of the animals starts to decrease and weakness develops. Physical growth may stop, which affects the overall performance of the animal. Along with this, problems can arise in breeding. Further, diseases can occur due to weak immunity.
Environmental and Economic Impact of Protein Feeding
A healthy animal not only increases its productivity but also becomes a means of turning the farmer’s dreams into reality. Including the right amount of protein in the diet of dairy animals is very important for their health, production, and the economy of livestock farmers. A balanced diet brings out the full potential of the animal and ensures a stable income. Therefore, a little attention and the right choice of diet can be a source of big benefits.
Protein is often the most expensive part of a dairy ration. Overfeeding protein not only raises feed costs but also results in higher nitrogen excretion. Excess nitrogen in manure can lead to groundwater contamination and increased greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in the form of ammonia and nitrous oxide.
