Feeding non-protein nitrogen in ruminant foraging
Feeding non-protein nitrogen – using rapidly dissolving carbohydrates - without negative effects
Increased nutrition demands of dairy cows can be provided only by extra energy and protein intakes. Protein needs of high production ruminants can not be supplied with even a properly functioning rumen’s amount of microbial proteins. Therefore, difference between needs and available microbial proteins must be supplied in form of non-degradable protein content of the feed.
Urea is the cheapest nitrogen source for protein forming processes inside the rumen. Its usage is justified by the fact, that it is not an unknown chemical for the body, since it produces itself as well. Considering general rules, feeding urea is safe and efficient.
One of these rules is, that feed must contain a sufficient level of sugar. Liquid feed called MVU produced by Argos Feed Group Zrt. solves difficulties with feeding NPN, offering easy homogene mixing in the solution, support of liquid carbohydrates and its distributing technology.
Energy deficiency appears when rumen bacteria have no access to proper amount and quality carbohydrate- and nitrogen sources. If ration contains low level of structural fiber, it produces less essential fatty acids, and energy shortage of the organism occurs. Since reduced production of acetic acid – which is a necessity for milk fat synthesis – milk fat production will be also hindered.
MelaVite MVU’s benefits start from the rumen, which microflora is comprised by starch- and fiber degrading bacteria. MVU focuses most of its positive effect on fiber degrading ones. Starch degrading bacteria look for genuine, real proteins, while cellulose and hemicellulose of silage and haylage are the feed for the fiber degrading ones. High non-protein nitrogen input is essential to them to operate efficiently.
Adding MVU to MelaVite offers microorganisms of rumen flora – including fiber utilizing bacteria – a continuous carbohydrate and nitrogen supply. Using MelaVite MVU, 0,2-0,4% more fat and 0,05-0,1% more protein can be achieved. (Improvement can be extreme in case of low quality basic feed.) Process developed by Argos Feed Group Zrt. in Hungary offers a unique opportunity to feed NPN nitrogen and rapidly dissolving energy in a safe and easy to control method.
Baranyi Szabolcs