Higher protein utilisation in dairy cattle thanks to PROLAC
The constant growth of the world population is paired with an increasing demand for food. Therefore, protein products such as meat or dairy are being consumed more and more frequently. This is why efficiency is key when it comes to cattle feed. We need sustainable solutions that benefit cows’ capacity to break down the protein sources they ingest. This guarantees a higher quantity as well as quality of the milk they produce. PROLAC, an additive that is given to supplement a cow’s daily ration of feed, helps the animal make better use of the protein and energy derived from its feed, ensuring an efficient production of milk.
The essentials of high-quality protein and milk production
Dairy cows that produce a lot of milk need a diet with large amounts of protein. This is why, in addition to rumen degradable proteins, rumen undegradable proteins (or bypass proteins) are added to the ration of a dairy cow. This enables more protein to flow into the small intestine, resulting in a higher protein content in the milk.
PROLAC ensures a higher uptake of protein
As a dairy farmer, you can increase the rumen undegradable proteins for your dairy cows by adding protein-rich raw materials to your herd’s diet. Unfortunately, in view of high raw material prices, adding supplements like these to your dairy cows’ ration of feed is not inexpensive. An alternative is to protect protein sources in the rumen from degradation. As a result, the amount of bypass proteins for absorption in the small intestine is increased – and the cow will produce more milk. This makes PROLAC an excellent choice to encourage the protection of proteins from degradation.
What is PROLAC?
PROLAC is an additive of which 100 grams are added to every dairy cow’s daily ration. It is a substitute for protein-rich raw materials, such as soy, and will ensure a more efficient use of protein by your dairy cows. Your cows will lose less energy through methane gas and the additive will also stimulate their appetite. As a result, your herd will produce more milk proteins, which ultimately leads to a higher yield. Thanks to PROLAC you can now give each cow a balanced protein and energy supply to the small intestine, resulting in greater feed efficiency. Sounds good, right?
Properties of PROLAC
PROLAC has some specific properties that are of benefit to dairy cows.
- Hydrolysable tannins: these tannins bond well with proteins, protecting part of the protein from rumen degradation.
- Coated urea: PROLAC boosts the production of microbial protein. As a result, nitrogen and carbohydrates in the rumen are brought into a better balance.
- The unique combination of essential oils inhibits protein-degrading bacteria in the rumen. In addition, the quantity of protein in the small intestine is increased and less energy is lost through methane.
- Natural rumen buffers: PROLAC perpetuates a better rumen environment, a more efficient functioning of the rumen and an increased appetite.
