Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate effect of changes in target fat and protein contents in milk on feed cost using a simulation modeling approach based on the 2001 dairy NRC. Two simulations were done; simulation I had a limitation (up to 20%), but simulation II had no limitation for the use of cottonseed hull in a diet. Using commonly used feed ingredients in Korea, we formulated least cost diets that meet nutrient requirement of a lactating dairy cow producing 36 kg of milk with combinations of 0.1% decrease or 0.1% increase in target milk fat or protein, respectively, from the national average milk fat (4.0%) and milk protein (3.1%). The contents of alfalfa and corn in a least-cost diet were decreased and those of tall fescue, whole cottonseed and rapeseed meal were increased with decreasing fat and/or increasing protein in milk. Scenarios that decreased target milk fat percentage from 4.0% to 3.9% reduced feed cost by 2 won per kg. Due to decrease in feed intake, daily feed cost was even more reduced (136 won per head) by decreasing target milk fat percentage. Increase in target milk protein percentage from 3.1% to 3.2% reduced feed cost by 6 won per kg. Among scenarios simulated, the least feed cost was obtained in scenario aimed for 3.9% fat and 3.2% of protein in milk. We conclude that a feeding practice for increasing milk protein percentage does not directly increase feed cost. In addition, feeding practices that increase protein content in milk is expected to improve economic life-span and reproductive performance of dairy cows.
