Cows have a minimum requirement for protein and energy to maintain normal body functions known as their ‘maintenance’ requirement which is approximately 2% of their body weight. Maximising protein intake provides more nutrients to rumen microbes, which in turn provide more nutrients to the cow for milk production and composition, growth, reproduction and body condition. Protein intake represents the milk yield for a cow and the entire dairy industry. In problem herds where intake is less or inadequate protein is predominant, it accounts for tremendous economic loss. Traditionally, studies which placed a monetary value on the effect of protein intake have calculated the costs at the herd level by using conventional method which is a basically a complex and time consuming. In today's era of Smart phones, tablet PCs and Notebooks where a spreadsheet program in the form of Excel is readily accessible by most veterinarians, it should be possible to adapt the various laborious steps involved in the said method to a spreadsheet program. The objective of this study was to calculate the protein intake in the milking herd. This model would provide a more informed decision making process in management for maximal economic profitability. We made modifications to an existing conventional method and simulated the conventional model.
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