Lowering ration protein at grass helps cow health and environment

Lowering the protein in parlour concentrate has the potential to boost margin over purchased feed by 5p/cow/day and reduce nitrogen excretion by 15% on one Wiltshire farm.

The benefits of feeding less crude protein when cows are grazed has resulted in better cow health and performance, improved margin over purchased feed and environmental gains at Manor Farm, Pewsey.

When the 500 cow herd was traditionally fed a 16% parlour concentrate at grazing, body condition score (BCS) loss and abortions were proving a problem. Milk butterfats would also tend to drop from 4% to 3.5%. Cows calve from August to December and yield 8,500-9,000 litres/cow/year.

Farm Manager Nick Catchpole believes it highlighted how feeding high protein diets could be negatively affecting performance.

“Typically we (the dairy industry) try and increase yield by throwing protein at the cow. It’s really bad, it’s totally inefficient and really bad for the cow as they live their whole life in digestive stress. Plus it’s not good for your pocket,” he says.

This is a particular risk when cows are consuming grazed grass which is naturally high in protein; at turnout it can be as much as 23% crude protein (CP). If cows are eating this high protein grass, receiving a high protein parlour concentrate, and energy levels are insufficient to utilise it, rumen efficiency could be compromised. This can lead to excessive weight loss, which Mr Catchpole aims to avoid at all costs in order to protect health and production. He targets a consistent BCS of around 2.75.

It was a discussion with Mole Valley Farmers’ Sustainability and Technical Manager, Dr Matt Witt that instigated the reduction in protein levels at turnout.

Using Mole Valley Farmers’ Precision Nutrition rationing program, Dr Witt demonstrated how lowering the protein levels in the parlour concentrate to 12% could boost margin over purchased feed by 5p/cow/day and reduce nitrogen excretion by 15%. As nitrogen losses raise the likelihood of water contamination and increase nitrous oxide emissions, this has environmental benefits.

Now, protein levels in the parlour concentrate are tweaked to complement fresh grass quality. This has been achieved by using the same protein sources, such as rape and distillers, but feeding less. Soya and palm are avoided. Mr Catchpole explains: “Very shortly, I think with milk processors, there will be an obligation or financial incentive not to use these products. With that knowledge, it’s worth going there now.”

At the start of the season, cows tend to receive a 12% protein concentrate, although this may increase to 14% should grass protein decline. At 12%, this delivers a total dietary CP of about 18-19%, compared to 21-22% previously.

Lowering protein and overall better nutrition has been reflected in more consistent BCS. Average conception rates are also now at 50% and milk fat consistently 4%.

Dr Witt says it’s not simply about lowering the CP in the parlour concentrate, but feeding the right type of protein. That means balancing for Rumen Degradable Protein and bypass protein and matching that with energy supply so the cow can produce high levels of microbial protein.

Farmers share views on the environment (Mole Valley Farmers’ Environmental Survey of 398 farmers)

11% had been asked by their buyer to lower the environmental impact of their farm. 90% of these were dairy farmers.

40% had stopped feeding materials with a high carbon footprint such as soya and palm.

For further information please contact the Feed and Nutritionists Line on 01278 444829