Dutch Dairy Farms Can Cut Protein Feed by 6% Without Losing Milk Production
Wageningen, Tuesday, 17 February 2026.
Wageningen University research reveals dairy farms can reduce protein content in cattle feed from 15.4% to 14.3% without impacting milk yield or feed intake. The study tracked 64 cows over two lactations, showing moderate protein reduction maintains productivity while potentially lowering costs and nitrogen emissions. However, cutting protein further to 13.3% significantly reduced both milk production and feed consumption, suggesting an optimal threshold exists for sustainable dairy operations.
Agricultural Innovation with Precision Feeding
This research represents a breakthrough in agricultural technology, specifically in the field of precision livestock feeding. The study demonstrates how data-driven feed optimization can simultaneously address economic and environmental challenges facing modern dairy operations [1]. Wageningen University & Research, in collaboration with Vereniging Diervoederonderzoek Nederland (VDN), LVVN, and the Melkveefonds, conducted this comprehensive trial at the Dairy Campus in Leeuwarden [8]. The innovation lies not in developing new feed products, but in optimizing existing protein ratios to achieve maximum efficiency while reducing environmental impact.
Quantified Benefits and Economic Impact
The economic benefits of this feeding strategy become clear when examining the production data. Cows fed the medium-protein ration (14.3% crude protein) maintained nearly identical performance to those on high-protein feed, consuming 23.9 kg dry matter daily and producing 33.8 kg milk per day [1][8]. This compares favorably to the high-protein group (15.4% crude protein), which consumed the same amount of dry matter but produced only marginally more milk at 34.4 kg daily [1][8]. The fat and protein corrected milk production (FPCM) showed minimal difference between these groups at 35.8 kg/day versus 36.8 kg/day respectively [1][8]. Given that the Dutch practical average currently stands at 16.1% crude protein in dairy rations [1][8], most farms could potentially reduce protein levels by 1.8 percentage points without compromising productivity, representing significant cost savings on expensive protein supplements.
Technical Mechanism and Optimal Thresholds
The research reveals critical thresholds in protein reduction that dairy farmers must understand to implement this technology successfully. While reducing crude protein from 15.4% to 14.3% showed no significant impact on milk production or feed intake, further reduction to 13.3% resulted in substantial performance drops [1][8]. Cows on the lowest protein ration consumed only 21.7 kg dry matter daily and produced 29.9 kg milk per day, with FPCM falling to 31.3 kg/day [1][8]. This represents a productivity decline of -12.57% compared to the medium-protein group. The study tracked these metrics over the first lactation period of 44 weeks, with researchers noting that milk urea concentration correlates directly with protein levels in feed [1][8]. These findings establish 14.3% crude protein as the optimal threshold for maintaining productivity while achieving environmental and economic benefits.
Industry Context and Future Implementation
This research emerges at a critical time for the Dutch dairy industry, which faces mounting pressure to reduce nitrogen emissions while maintaining economic viability [1][8]. The dairy sector confronts regulatory challenges requiring lower crude protein levels in cattle rations as part of broader environmental compliance measures [8]. The study’s basal ration contained 12.4% crude protein, with supplements added to achieve the target levels tested [1][8]. Analysis of the second lactation data and comprehensive effects on animal health remain pending, which will provide additional insights for commercial implementation [1][8]. The collaboration between Wageningen University & Research and industry partners demonstrates the integrated approach needed to translate agricultural research into practical farming solutions. As dairy farms seek to optimize operations amid changing regulatory landscapes, this protein reduction strategy offers a scientifically validated pathway to reduce environmental impact without sacrificing productivity or profitability.