The high protein system
Background
The Greenmount College Protein Improvement Project is designed to demonstrate the latest developments in feeding, breeding and management to improve milk protein.
The Greenmount College Protein Improvement Project is designed to demonstrate the latest developments in feeding, breeding and management to improve milk protein.
Introduction
Low levels of milk protein have long been recognised as a major limiting factor in the competitiveness of the dairy sector in Northern Ireland.
Low levels of milk protein have long been recognised as a major limiting factor in the competitiveness of the dairy sector in Northern Ireland.
Feeding to increase milk protein
The dairy cow's production cycle can be divided into three stages....
The dairy cow's production cycle can be divided into three stages....
Breeding to increase milk protein
Breeding can make a significant contribution to raising milk protein in the medium to long term. Channel Island and Ayrshire cows can produce milk with a higher protein content than Friesian/Holstein cows.
Breeding can make a significant contribution to raising milk protein in the medium to long term. Channel Island and Ayrshire cows can produce milk with a higher protein content than Friesian/Holstein cows.
Management to increase milk protein
Many changes take place during the production cycle of a dairy cow. A clear understanding of the major changes will help identify some of the key stages where milk protein content can be influenced.
Many changes take place during the production cycle of a dairy cow. A clear understanding of the major changes will help identify some of the key stages where milk protein content can be influenced.
Financial Implications of increasing milk protein
Current milk pricing arrangements favour milk protein over milk fat by almost 2:1. The continued trend for semi-skimmed milk and increasing world cheese consumption are likely to maintain this pricing policy.
Current milk pricing arrangements favour milk protein over milk fat by almost 2:1. The continued trend for semi-skimmed milk and increasing world cheese consumption are likely to maintain this pricing policy.
Benefits of higher protein milk to the NI dairy manufacturing sector
The dairy processing sector is an important contributor to the gross domestic product of Northern Ireland.
The dairy processing sector is an important contributor to the gross domestic product of Northern Ireland.
