Research on nutrient conversion and the optimal crude protein level in dairy cow rations to reduce enviromental pollution levels. Project leader Diāna Ruska Team of project Daina Jonkus Līga Paura Duration 2019 - 2021 Research focus 4. Development and adaptation of technologies for obtaining high-value agricultural and forest products, as well as in veterinary medicine Source of funding Ministry of Agriculture projects Project partners VecauceSOC Description of project The aim of research Evaluate the nutrient utilization efficiency of dairy cows fed with diets containing different levels of crude protein, determine feed digestibility, and explain ammonia excretion through milk, urine, and feces. The results obtained in the study will provide a basis for selecting feed rations according to their crude protein content to ensure efficient utilization without burdening the environment, maintaining productivity, and optimizing costs related to feed rations and manure management. The tasks of project: Create three study groups of dairy cows, with 6-8 cows in each group (Latvian Brown and Holstein breeds)Conduct chemical analyses of the feedPrepare feed rations for dairy cows with approximately 14%, 15%, and 15% crude proteinDetermine the feed digestibility for dairy cowsPerform analyses of milk, urine, and manurePrepare recommendations for farmers Results Ruska D., Jonkus D. (2021) Effect of dietary crude protein concentration on milk productivity traits in early lactation dairy cows. Agronomy Research. - Vol.19(S2), p.1136.–1141, Ind. SCOPUS, ISSN 1406-894X; Ruska D., Jonkus D., Cielava L. (2020) Evaluation of feed conversion efficiency for different dairy cows breeds by milk yield, milk content and faecal amount. Agronomy Research. - Vol. 18(2), p.1455-1462. Ruska D., Jonkus D. (2020) Relationship between feed protein content and faeces nitrogen content in early lactation dairy cows. Acta Fytotechnica et Zootechnica. - Future Perspectives in Animal Production, Vol.23 : p.316-321.
