Microbial Protein Synthesis and Efficiency in Nursing Calves

Authors

• Mariela Lamothe, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
• Don C. Adams, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
• Jacqueline A. Musgrave, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
• Galen E. Erickson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

January 2003

Comments

Published in 2003 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. Copyright © 2002 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

Microbial protein synthesis and efficiency were estimated in springborn nursing calves grazing native range and subirrigated meadow. Forage intake increased from 1.5 lb/ day (0.6% BW) in June to 5.9 lb/day (1.2% BW) in September while milk intake decreased over the same period. Microbial protein (MCP) synthesis increased from 67 g/day in May to 278 g/day right before weaning in September. Urinary allantoin was used as a marker. Efficiency of MCP synthesis was approximately 19% of forage digestible organic matter (OM) intake.