The importance of Amino Acids Balancing in Dairy Cattle Rations

I shifted to USA from India about 9 months back. Having got my work authorization, I started searching for the Dairy farm related opportunities. I contacted all the contacts I had in US. One of my contacts responded. He though is a retired vet and ex University official. He had a roaring veterinary practice, one of the largest, I know. He asked me to formulate a ration for a particular group. I formulated a ration and emailed him all the detailed reports with absorb-able minerals, micro nutrients supplies as well as Duodenal amino acid supplies. He called me back and said that he was very happy with the formulation and he was testing my skills before recommending me to anyone. I thank him for this, But then he mentioned that amino acids balancing was not required and it was more of a marketing gimmick and he in his 45 year practice did not see any virtues.

 This reminded me of the words from Dr. Charles Schwab- the famous amino acids ambassador. His work on role of amino acids balancing in Dairy Cattle is a milestone. He told me that people earlier used to say that amino acid balancing was for pigs and poultry and cattle actually did not care or need.

I have always been a keen student of amino acids balancing in cattle rations and its benefits. So the words from that Sr, Vet, kind of broke my heart. The sole motive of this write up is that amino acids balancing for Dairy cattle does matter, not only it improves production and components but reduces protein wastage and N impacts on environment too.Researchers at the University of Illinois found that transition cows supplemented with methionine consumed more dry matter and produced more milk and milk components. In addition to greater milk yield, those cows also had reduced infl ammation, lower oxidative stress, and improved liver function all according to gene expression and blood metabolite measurements. Based on these results it appears that the immune system of cows was dysfunctional when fed methionine-defi cient diets, causing depressed appetites. Whereas, immune function improved in transition cows supplemented with methionine resulting in greater appetite, increased dry matter intake, and a concomitant increase in milk yield. Cows supplemented with methionine also had fewer incidences of ketosis. All of these factors indicate that cows are healthier when fed diets that supply the required amount of key essential amino acids.

It can be difficult to quantify the cost of immune dysfunction, increased oxidative stress, or reduced liver function. But amino acid balancing is paying for itself and works as an added bonus beyond healthier cows . Visible cost advantages can be made by replacing more expensive protein feeds with less expensive forages or fermentable carbohydrates since diets are now properly balanced for amino acids.