Protein

Dry Cows have a relatively low crude Protein requirement, but they do have a requirement!

Protein must be balanced alongside the base ration to provide an overall dietary CP of 13-15%.

Rumen degradable protein (RDP) is necessary to drive rumen microbial activity, essential for efficient digestion of high fibre dry cow diets. The creation of vast quantities of microbes then becomes a source of protein for the cow. 70% of the cow's protein requirement comes from this source. Microbial protein alone may not provide sufficient protein to the late pregnant cow for foetal growth or mammary gland preparation.

Rumen undegradable protein, rDUP (bypass protein) contains essential amino acids such as Methionine and Lysine. Alongside the microbial protein this provides the Dry Cow with the building blocks for -

Foetal growth – protein is essential for all aspects of calf development
Muscle Recovery and maintenance – maintaining and recovering lost body mass is essential for a good start to lactation.
Mammary Recovery – During the dry period it is essential for mammary cells to recover and proliferate. Essential amino acids also support immune cell function within mammary tissue which is critical during this phase.
Colostrum Quality – Creation of high-quality colostrum with high levels of immunoglobulins relies on quality protein sources.