FEEDING CUT CP COSTS, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT Many dairy herds have the potential to lower ration crude protein (CP) levels by at least 0.5 to 1.0 unit without impacting herd milk production, according to Larry Chase, Professor and Extension Specialist, Department of Animal Science, Cornell University. Signifi cant economic and environmental impacts can accompany these changes. Dairy producers are realizing two incentives for lowering ration CP levels. One is to improve profi tability by more effi ciently converting feed nitrogen intake to milk nitrogen output while maintaining or improving milk production. Income over feed cost (IOFC) increases along with income over purchased feed costs (IOPFC) as purchased feed costs decrease. Secondly, feeding rations with lower CP decreases the excretion of nitrogen into the environment and lowers ammonia emissions. Consequently, the number of acres needed for land application of manure decreases. When ammonia emission regulations are implemented, the lower animal ammonia emissions will be benefi cial. When determining if a herd is a candidate for lower ration crude protein levels, consider: 1) Is the current ration CP level greater than 16.5% ? 2) Are herd milk urea nitrogen levels greater than 12 mg/dl? 3) How consistent are the daily feeding and feeding management procedures? 4) How consistent are forages and are forage dry matter analysis done at least 2-3 times per week? 5) Do the nutritionist and dairy producer both believe this approach will work? 6) How will the potential responses to adjustments in ration crude protein levels be monitored? ❐ Feed the bugs. Fill the tanks . TM Decades of research and hundreds of trials* clearly show Diamond V Original XPC is scientifically proven to deliver results –“Feed the Bugs, Fill the Tanks.” – TM MICROBIAL FERMENTATION... MY SECRET FOR GREAT MILK PRODUCTION! The nutritional metabolites contained in Original XPC foster rumen microbial performance. When rumen microbial populations thrive, feedstuffs are more effectively converted to individual nutrients. This improved digestibility means more available nutrients for milk, milk components and cow health. For performance and reliability you can count on, choose Original XPC year-round. Available in two additional concentrations. CONSIS CONSISTENTLY MORE MILK! *Scan for available data at our website ©2012 Diamond V Mills, Inc. All rights reserved. Diamond V® is a registered trademark and Original XPC™ is a trademark of Diamond V Mills, Inc. For more information call 800-373-7234. Subscribe to our e-newsletter Nutrition Line at diamondv.com www.dairybusiness.com June 2012 EASTERNDAIRYBUSINESS 15