Soybeans versus animal sources of rumen-undergradable protein and fat for early lactation dairy cows

Fifteen multiparous Holstein cows averaging 39 DIM were used in a replicated 5 x 5 Latin square design to compare roasted soybeans and animal by-products as supplements for increasing the RUP content of lactation diets based on alfalfa. The control diet contained roasted soybeans and was formulated to meet requirements for RUP. Rumen-undegradable protein in the diet was increased by including additional roasted soybeans or animal by-product proteins. To achieve diets with similar amounts of fat, we added tallow, hydrolyzed tallow fatty acids, or partially hydrogenated tallow to the control diet and to diets containing animal by-product proteins. Control diets and diets with high RUP were estimated to be 5.8 and 7.6% RUP (DM basis). The RDP of all diets was estimated to be approximately 11.3% of DM. Milk yield was increased by additional dietary RUP. Yield of FCM was greater for cows receiving animal byproducts than for those fed additional roasted soybeans. Cows fed additional RUP yielded more milk protein, but milk protein percentage was decreased. Milk fat percentage was reduced by additional dietary RUP, but fat yield was not affected. Nutrient digestibility was greatest for diets containing animal byproducts. Cows fed tallow yielded more milk, FCM, and protein that did those fed hydrolyzed tallow fatty acids or partially hydrogenated tallow. Lactation performance can be enhanced by supplementing animal by-products or roasted soybeans to diets based on alfalfa and formulated to meet NRC recommendations for RUP.