A pioneering new nutritional approach to protein formulation within dairy diets will be presented by Wynnstay at this year’s UK Dairy Day, being held on 12 September at the International Centre in Telford, Shropshire.

As part of the technical seminar line up, Iwan Vaughan, head of dairy technical services at Wynnstay, will discuss the Wynnstay AminoMatch nutrition approach.

“AminoMatch offers an alternative way to supplying protein purely in the form of crude protein (CP), by accurately balancing rations to provide optimum levels of amino acids,” says Iwan.

He says this new approach offers the potential to reduce the total protein fed and therefore the cost of the ration.

“While it’s often the most expensive component in dairy diets, protein is essential for milk production. However, there’s a misconception that it needs to be provided entirely in the form of CP to be utilised by the cow. This often results in excessive levels of dietary CP within rations, which aside from increasing costs, can actually reduce performance, in particular fertility.”

Iwan says amino acids are actually what the cow requires for milk production and this has led to the development of AminoMatch.

During the seminar, he will outline how the silage analysis service routinely conducted by Wynnstay for customers has formed the foundations for the new approach, ensuring the correct amino acid levels are provided in the diet to complement home-grown forage and maximise feed efficiency.

“At a time where forage shortages and rising feed costs are a concern, there’s a requirement to maximise every available mouthful, and producers who have implemented this new approach have seen very good results,” concludes Iwan.

The seminar will take place at 3pm in zone 2 of the sharing knowledge zone. The team of Wynnstay dairy specialists will be available at stand L6 throughout the day to answer any l questions on AminoMatch.