Metabolizable Protein Requirements of Lactating Two-Year-Old Cows

Authors

Tray Patterson, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Don C. Adams, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Amelia Hopkin, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Date of this Version

January 2002

Comments

Published in 2002 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. Copyright © 2001 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

Eighteen lactating two-year-old cows maintained on meadow hay were used to determine the effects of supplementation to meet metabolizable protein or degradable intake protein requirements on production traits during the first two months after calving. Cows supplemented to meet metabolizable protein requirements had a higher ADG than degradable protein supplemented cows. Milk production declined from 15.9 to 10.8 lb/ day at 26 to 69 days after calving, respectively. Hay intake averaged 2.4% of body weight. Supplementation to meet metabolizable protein requirements increased postpartum weight change, but did not affect intake or milk production.