PRINCETON, N.J. (August 1, 2011)—Dairy producers and nutritionists face a variety of challenges today with rising input costs and greater regulation than ever before. Stringent environmental regulation has become an ever-increasing concern for dairy producers in areas like the Chesapeake Bay watershed and California, with limited tools available to help ensure requirements are met.

One nutritional tool that is gaining popularity to minimize nitrogen excretion is amino acid balancing. Balancing a ration for optimal amino acid levels delivers the building blocks needed to efficiently synthesize protein, reduce dietary protein needs, maintain peak performance and lessen the environmental impact.

“In the past overfeeding protein was a common practice, especially when the ingredient was inexpensive,” explains Dr. Elliot Block, Senior Manager, Technology, with Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition. “This is, however, not an ideal solution, because excess protein is excreted by the cow into the environment, and energy must be diverted to excrete extra protein rather than be used for greater production. This ultimately increases ration costs without generating additional return for the producer.”

The practice of amino acid balancing aims to ensure optimal levels of lysine and methionine—the two most limiting amino acids—are delivered to the small intestine to enhance protein synthesis. Both amino acids cannot be produced by the cow or from other amino acids, so they must be delivered through the diet. Bypass forms of these amino acids are critical to ensure optimal levels are available for protein production and efficient nutrient utilization.

Research Confirms Amino Acid Balancing’s Effectiveness

Research from Pennsylvania State University¹ confirms balancing rations for metabolizable protein and amino acids instead of crude protein can reduce nitrogen excretion while improving milking herd performance. The research was conducted on the university dairy, where the lactating rations was reformulated with lower crude protein (16%) and a similar amino acid profile. Performance was compared to herd historical data, when diets were balanced for 18% protein.

Following ration reformulation the herd experienced positive results, including:

• More milk and component production. Cows produced an additional 6 lbs. of milk, increasing from 78 lbs. to 84 lbs. Component levels climbed as well.
• Greater nitrogen efficiency. Nitrogen efficiency improved by 4.6% over the herd historical average, which led to a decrease in nitrogen excretion and waste.

The study concluded amino acid balancing can effectively maintain and even improve performance, while reducing the need to overfeed protein, a win-win for both the dairy producer and the environment.

Feed the Right Amino Acid Source for Peak Performance

When it comes to amino acid balancing, both the quality and quantity of lysine and methionine count. Many dairies today feed commodity blood meal in an attempt to supply optimal levels of lysine to the diet. Research conducted by Dr. Marshall Stern at the University of Minnesota² and Dr. Normand St-Pierre at The Ohio State University³ found lysine levels in blood meal to be extremely variable and inconsistent. Day-to-day variability in the nutrients delivered in blood meal can negatively impact cow performance and production.

Delivering consistent levels of lysine to the small intestine can translate to improved feed efficiency, nutrient utilization and production and, ultimately, greater milk check profits. MEGAMINE-L^® Rumen Bypass Lysine ensures a consistent level of protected lysine reaches the small intestine, where it can be used for protein synthesis.

“Research confirms feeding MEGAMINE-L improves component and milk production and feed efficiency,” says Dr. Block. “In regions of the country where nutrient excretion is an area of focus, delivering optimal levels of limiting amino acids can also improve efficiency while maintaining or improving performance.”

Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition, with headquarters in Princeton, N.J., is a North American leader in offering a complete family of innovative, research-proven dairy feed ingredients to improve producer profitability. To learn more about Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition, visit www.AHDairy.com.

1 Varga GA. Why Use Metabolizable Protein for Ration Balancing?, in Proceedings, Penn State Dairy Nutrition Workshop 2007;51–57.
2 Based on Stern MD, Calsamiglia S. Predicting Digestibility of Dietary RUP and Its Constituent Amino Acids. Paper presented at: Eleventh ADSA Discover Conference on Food Animal Agriculture; August 28 – 31, 2005; Nashville, Indiana.
3 Boucher SE. Challenges of Predicting Metabolizable Lysine Content of Ingredients, in Proceedings. Cornell Nutrition Conference for Feed Manufacturers 2009;17-28.

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