Response of dairy cows in early lactation to sodium hydroxide-treated soybean meal.

To determine effects of protein and rumen degradability in rations for early lactation cows, four diets (44:56 roughage:concentrate) were formulated to contain 15 or 17.5% CP and supplemental protein from untreated or NaOH-treated soybean meal. Diets were allocated to 34 multiparous Holstein cows from d 22 to 91 of lactation. Treatment means adjusted by covariance using data from d 10 to 21 for average daily milk (kg), milk fat (%), milk protein (%), and SCM (kg) were: 15% untreated 32.9, 3.54, 3.16, and 31.3; 15% NaOH-treated 31.1, 3.59, 3.08, and 29.6; 17.5% untreated 32.2, 3.70, 3.30, and 31.2; and 17.5% NaOH-treated 32.6, 3.58, 3.17, and 30.8. Increasing dietary protein percent raised milk protein percent but not protein yield or yield of other milk components, milk yield, SCM yield, or DM intake. Protein source had no effect on production or feed intake. Decreasing dietary protein percentage and use of NaOH-treated soybean meal reduced rumen ammonia. Degradation of protein in feeds was determined in four rumen fistulated lactating cows. Sodium hydroxide treatment of soybean meal reduced protein degradation in situ.