Mepron® is a concentrated, time-based release mini-pellet that features a solid core of DL-methionine from the speciality chemicals company Evonik Industries
Due to its coating technology by using ethylcellulose, Mepron® creates a continuous flow of methionine to the small intestine which mimics the natural digestive process.
It allows for a steady, consistent uptake of methionine by the liver. Mepron® contains 85 per cent DL-methionine, of which at least 80 per cent bypass the rumen.
Of that fraction, more than 90 per cent are digestible and absorbed along the intestine. Mepron® delivers the highest amount of metabolizable methionine (60 per cent) among all commercially available methionine sources for dairy cows.
Most protein sources are low in methionine. Therefore, rations for high-yielding dairy cows meeting the methionine requirement are typically high in protein. Then, all other amino acids are usually in surplus which leads to imbalances and inefficient protein use.
Good methionine sources are fishmeal and corn gluten meal, but these feed materials are either not allowed or very expensive. The challenge is to meet all nutrient requirements including methionine, to optimise nutrient utilisation, and to minimise feed costs.
The Solution
Mepron® delivers the nutrient methionine in a highly concentrated form. One gram of metabolizable methionine from Mepron® is cheaper than from any feed protein.
The Approach
Calculate your existing ration with AMINOCow® which considers all 10 essential amino acids. First ensure the optimal supply of all major nutrients such as forage NDF, glucose precursors (NFC), rumen degradable protein, and energy.
Then look at the amino acids. If all amino acids except methionine are in surplus, some of the expensive protein can be removed and the space used for energy or forage, depending on what component improves the ration.
Meet the metabolizable methionine requirement by using Mepron®. Typical inclusion rates are 8 – 15 g per cow per day. Achieving optimal production efficiency results in more money in your pocket.
Results
Depending on the actual feed material prices, your ration costs will be reduced in most cases by USD 0.05 – 0.20 per cow per day. Mepron® is the most cost-effective methionine source for dairy rations.
Due to the balanced amino acid supply, less surplus nitrogen has to be removed as urea relieving liver metabolism and sparing additional energy needs. With an optimised nutrient supply, performance improvements such as higher milk yield or milk protein, stabilised milk fat content, improved fertility and general health of the herd have often been observed. A meta-analysis of 18 studies published in peer-reviewed journals has proven that cows on Mepron® rations performed better than control groups in milk yield, milk protein percentage and yield as well as milk fat yield (Patton 2010, Journal of Dairy Science, Vol 93, p. 2105 – 2118).
Handling and Mixing
With its particle size of 1.8 x 3 – 4 mm, Mepron® can be mixed homogeneously into feed. The rate of rumen protection is not affected when mixed with potentially abrasive components (mineral mixes), handled at extremely high ambient temperature or subjected to low pH (silage).
The mechanical stress during transport with common conveyors (screw, elevator, pneumatic transport) and on-farm equipment such as mixer wagons has no effect on the rumen protection rate of Mepron®.
Pelletising of mixtures containing Mepron® is not recommended because the high pressure destroys the coating.
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