Response of dairy cows to protein level in early lactation

The comparison of cows' protein requirements with the supply of microbial and feed proteins digestible in the intestine shows a large deficit for the first weeks just after calving. The magnitude and duration of the deficit is reflected in the blood parameters of the protein status (protein, urea and free amino acid contents and composition) and of the energy status (glucose, free fatty acid content). Great increases in milk production are noted in this period by meeting protein requirements at all times during the first eight weeks after calving. Sometimes they are achieved at the expense of body stores, but in other cases they can be related to an increase in the efficiency of microbial digestion in the rumen, in the ingestibility of the feeds, or in the intake capacity of the cows. The effects on milk protein synthesis and on the intake capacity of the cows seem to be due to the supply of some essential amino acids, particularly methionine, but also to the supply of non-essential glucose precursor amino acids. More studies are needed on the mechanisms involved, on the long-term effects, and on the secondary effects on reproduction and health.