Overview

For several years one of the primary focuses of dairy nutrition research has been the area of protein nutrition. Much work has been done to more precisely define and implement various models in an attempt to more accurately represent the process by which dairy cows utilize protein.Ultimately this process leads to individual amino acids and the roles they play in milk synthesis.

Though no specific amino acids requirements as such were included in the NRC 2001 model, a good deal of work has been done since its introduction to determine a practical application of the Lysine and Methionine dose-response data provided with that publication.

The work of Schwab et al., at the University of New Hampshire provides very useful guidelines for constraining Lysine and Methionine as percentages of MP. They also report the results of field work done with six herds to improve the balance of Lysine/Methionine in lactating rations. Their work is significant and timely.

Formulate2 provides you with the capability to easily implement this approach to constraining amino acids.

Here's What You Do ...

First, click on the MP(DD 2001) bind field to bind Metabolizable Protein as a constraint. You don't have to enter any value for MP, Formulate2 will manage that for you and update the MP requirement as it changes during the formulation process.

Next, enter the percentages of MP you wish to use as minimum constraints for Lysine and Methionine then click on the Type field next to the constraint value and select MP(DD 2001) from the drop-down list.

Here's How It Works ...

When you've entered all you're constraints, left click on a non-input area of the constraint grid then right click to display the popup menu. Select and click on the Solve Dynamic menu option to formulate the ration.

Formulate2 will manage all changes in the requirement and constraint values throughout the formulation process and produce the ration solution you want.