Mepron is concentrated, time-based release minipellet that features a solid core of DL-methionine, an essential amino acid
Due to its coating technology that uses ethyl cellulose, 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% DL-methionine, of which at least 80% bypasses the rumen.
Of that fraction, more than 90% are digestible and absorbed along the intestine. Mepron delivers the highest amount of metabolisable methionine (60%) 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 like fishmeal 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 metabolisable 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, 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. One can meet the metabolidable methionine requirement by using Mepron. Typical inclusion rates are 8-15 gm per cow per day.
Results
Depending on the actual feed material prices, your ration costs will be reduced in most cases by US$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 & 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, handled at extremely high ambient temperature or subjected to low pH (silage). The mechanical stress during transport with common conveyors and on-farm equipment has no effect on Mepron’s rumen protection rate. Pelletising of mixtures containing Mepron is not recommended because the high pressure destroys the coating.