The associative effect of level of energy and protein intake in the dairy cow

Abstract

SummaryEight lactating cows were used in a Latin square experiment, to study the associative effects of level of energy and protein intake on milk yield and composition. Four diets were used, supplying 80 and 120% of estimated energy requirements and 80 and 120% of estimated protein requirements. The level of energy intake significantly affected milk yield, milk energy output, percentage butterfat, ash and non-protein nitrogen. The level of protein intake only significantly affected milk energy output and the non-protein nitrogen content of the milk. Although only the interaction of the effects of energy and protein intake on the milk content of solidsnot-fat (SNF) and ash was significant, it was evident that the effect of each of these factors on milk yield or composition was related to the level of the other in the diet.Input-output relationships within each protein level were used to compute the response in milk energy output and bodyweight change to a change in energy intake. These showed a greater partitioning of additional energy toward milk energy output with the high than with the low protein level. Multiple regression analysis within each level of protein intake was used to partition energy intake between that used for maintenance, milk energy output and liveweight change. The results showed efficiencies of utilization of metabolizable energy for milk output of 63 and 50% on the high- and low-protein diets, respectively.Nitrogen balance data are presented.