ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE January 2026 49 Feed efficiency starts with the right protein source. Feeding excess crude protein wastes energy and reduces efficiency. By focusing on the amino acid balance of a ration, rather than total protein level, dairy cows conserve energy. Microbial protein supplies about half of the needs; the remainder must fit properly. Efficient amino acid balancing helps cows make better use of energy and supports higher milk yields. Protein plays a critical role in milk production and cow health, growth and reproduction. For years, the industry has aimed to meet dairy cow needs by including more protein in rations than needed to ensure an adequate supply. However, ongoing research suggests that feeding more protein doesn’t necessarily correlate with better performance. Feeding excess protein can have unintended consequences, including wasted energy and reduced efficiency. By looking closer at the amino acid balance of a ration and optimizing it rather than focusing on total protein level, you can help reduce nutrient waste, conserve energy and improve overall feed efficiency. HOW IS PROTEIN USED BY A DAIRY COW? True protein consists of amino acids, which are composed of nitrogen and carbon. Crude protein, on the other hand, includes both amino acids and non-protein nitrogen sources. When we talk about protein in dairy diets, we need to consider what the rumen microbes can use. The microbes are not particular about whether nitrogen comes from a true protein or non-protein source as long as it’s accessible to them. In order for nitrogen to be used by rumen microbes, it needs to be both soluble and degradable. The microbes use this nitrogen to grow and digest fiber and other nutrients, which supplies energy to the cow and supports microbial growth. The microbes help supply the majority of the protein that is needed by the cow. They also provide amino acids in the proportions that the cow needs for all her protein-requiring functions. SOLVING THE PROTEIN PUZZLE In general terms, about 8 to 10% of ration dry matter is converted into microbial protein. The remainder of the cow’s diet needs to supply the rest of the amino acids she requires to thrive. The closer this balance of amino acids aligns with the cow’s requirements, the less energy she spends synthesizing the proteins she needs. Think of amino acid balance as a puzzle: about half of the pieces are provided by the microbial proFEED EFFICIENCY STARTS WITH THE RIGHT PROTEIN SOURCE Dr. Essi Evans President E+E Technical Advisory Services
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