Effects of the ratio of effective rumen degradable protein to fermentable metabolizable energy on voluntary intake and milk yields of dairy cows

Abstract

Diets with low ratios of effective rumen degradable protein (ERDP) to fermentable metabolizable energy (FME) are often offered to dairy cows in Portugal, because they are based on maize silage and protein sources are very expensive. It seems likely that this will restrict microbial protein synthesis and voluntary intake and, consequently, lead to reduced milk yields. The objective of this study was to examine the production response of dairy cows offered diets differing in ERDP/FME ratio.