Influence of Dietary Protein Concentration on Milk Production by Dairy Cattle in Early Lactation

Abstract

In a 3 X 2 factorial experiment, 21 mature cows (third or later lactation) and 21 heifers in first lactation were fed complete rations containing 12.4, 15.1, or 17.7% crude protein in the dry matter. Rations contained in dry matter, 10% hay, 30% corn silage, and a 60% mixture of high moisture corn, soybean meal, and a mineral-vitamin premix.