The ability to accurately and precisely predict microbial protein synthesis is crucial in predicting the supply of metabolizable protein in beef cattle. We updated a database previously used to predict microbial crude protein (CP) supply in beef cattle. Then we evaluated the utility of using total digestible nutrients (TDN) and different measures of energy intake to predict ruminal microbial protein synthesis. Using regression analyses, we found that intakes of digestible and metabolizable energy and intake of net energy for maintenance were as effective as the intake of TDN as independent variables to predict microbial protein synthesis. Adding the intake of CP to the models improved the precision of predictions, and all models performed as well or better than the regression model adopted by the 2016 nutrient requirement system for beef cattle.

Read the full article in the Journal of Animal Science.