Improving energetic vs nitrogen efficiency when formulating for amino acids- Dr. Mike Van Amburgh

Dr. Van Amburgh spoke about integrating energetic and nitrogen efficiency. The genetics of dairy cows are changing rapidly, and as such, we may be grossly underestimating their requirements. Further, it’s crucial to remember amino acids are required for things other than milk protein synthesis. Dr. Van Amburgh outlined some steps to optimize energy efficiency, including determining whether energy or protein is the most limiting nutrient and evaluating rumen nitrogen balance and urinary nitrogen excretion. If urinary nitrogen excretion is high, then work to reduce soluble protein in the diet. Once you have metabolizable energy and metabolizable protein in balance and are happy with rumen nitrogen balance, then focus on amino acids. It’s important to not overfeed fatty acids, add some sugar, and be sure that forages with the highest neutral detergent fiber digestibility are fed to fresh and high-producing cows.