Protein Production in the Bovine. Comparison of Daily Protein, Fat, and Milk Production During the Entire Lactation Period

Abstract

Because of economic considerations, the butterfat producing ability of the dairy cow and the factors influencing it have been extensively studied. Other components of milk have not received this attention, and, consequently, much less is known about their production during the lactation cycle. Although nmch indicatory work has been done concerning the protein of milk As a result, many years of selective breeding for optimal fat production have been carried out with little or no consideration given for protein production. With the recent changes in the economic importance of butterf,~t and the realiz~ltion that in the future protein may become more of a limiting factor in the world's food supply, the ability of the dairy cow as a synthesizer of high grade protein shouhi receive more attention.