The milk protein content is significantly influenced by the energy supply. The low protein content (< 3.2%) indicates a lack of energy in the feed. From the 12th to the 16th week of lactation, the cow goes into a balanced energy balance and slowly begins to gain more body mass than to break it down. As a result, the fat content rises above 4% again. The supply of crude fiber is sufficient.

Protein percentages below 3.2 with fat percentages above 4 indicate a lack of energy in the ration. This means that the existing capacity is not exhausted

A distinction must be made between low protein contents as a result of

Protein deficiency (urea values < 150mg/liter )
high temperature,
high humidity,
Udder diseases (increased cell counts)
Diseases (fat mobilization syndrome, ketosis, abnormal lean shifting, hoof diseases)

Signal value: F% >4 and P% 3.2 to 2.8 depending on the amount of milk

red

>= 20 % in the lactation section

yellow

>= 10 to < 20 % in the lactation section

Measures

Goal: Improve feed intake, improve feed ration energetically, needs-based protein supply.

Check feed intake

Unlimited access to the feeding area
Securing the water supply
Check the amount of residual feed (at least 5%)
is the feed ration (calculated) also eaten?

Check feed quality

If possible, energy content above 6.5 NEU/kg DM in roughage
Roughage digestibility above 70%.
Secure 400 g of crude fibre for every 100 kg of body mass.
Pay attention to the proportion of structurally effective crude fiber.
8 – 10 % of the particles should be larger than 4 cm
Feed without impurities and deteriorations (dirty, moldy, frozen)
Check on-demand feeding for function and calibration

Controlling animal health

Animal observation in resting phase – hollow hunger pit, rumination activities, movement sequences. At the beginning of lactation, too quickly fed with concentrate.