Dutch Dairy Farms Can Cut Feed Protein 15% Without Losing Milk Production

2026-02-25 green

Wageningen, Wednesday, 25 February 2026.
Wageningen University research reveals dairy cows maintain full milk output when protein in feed drops from 15.4% to 14.3% - a breakthrough that could slash nitrogen emissions across Netherlands’ dairy sector while preserving farm profitability and meeting sustainability targets.

Breakthrough Research at Dairy Campus Challenges Industry Assumptions

The multi-year study, conducted at the Dairy Campus in Leeuwarden, involved 64 dairy cows divided into three groups over two lactation cycles [1]. Each group received different protein levels in their feed: 13.3%, 14.3%, and 15.4% crude protein, with all groups starting from a base ration of 12.4% crude protein consisting of grass silage, corn silage, and rapeseed meal [1][7]. The research, carried out by Wageningen University & Research in collaboration with the Vereniging Diervoederonderzoek Nederland (VDN), LVVN, and the Melkveefonds, represents a significant milestone in sustainable dairy farming practices [7].

Production Data Reveals Sweet Spot for Protein Reduction

The first lactation results, covering 44 weeks of data collection, showed striking differences in performance across protein levels [1][7]. Cows receiving the lowest protein content (13.3%) consumed only 21.7 kg of dry matter per day and produced 29.9 kg of milk daily [1][7]. In contrast, the medium protein group (14.3%) consumed 23.9 kg of dry matter and produced 33.8 kg of milk per day, while the highest protein group (15.4%) consumed the same amount of dry matter but produced slightly more milk at 34.4 kg daily [1][7]. When examining fat- and protein-corrected milk production (FPCM), the low-protein group achieved 31.3 kg per day, compared to 35.8 kg for the medium group and 36.8 kg for the high-protein group [1]. Crucially, researchers found that reducing crude protein from 15.4% to 14.3% had minimal impact on milk production or feed intake, representing a reduction of approximately 7.143 percent [1][7].

Environmental and Economic Implications for Dutch Dairy Industry

The environmental benefits of protein reduction extend beyond individual farms to address national sustainability challenges [GPT]. Milk urea concentration decreased proportionally with lower protein content, indicating reduced nitrogen excretion and subsequent environmental benefits [1][7]. This finding is particularly significant given that the highest protein group in the study (15.4%) remained well below the Dutch practical average of 16.1% crude protein recorded by CBS in 2024 [1][7]. The timing of this research aligns with broader governmental initiatives, as D66, VVD, and CDA coalition partners have presented plans for the 2026-2030 period emphasizing breakthroughs in nitrogen policy, stating “We finally want to achieve breakthroughs in nitrogen policy and on the housing market. Our farmers, nature, home seekers and entrepreneurs deserve better” [2][9].

Real-World Implementation Already Shows Promise

Practical applications of reduced protein feeding are already demonstrating results on working dairy farms across the Netherlands [3][4]. Jean Nicolaes, who operates a 190-cow dairy farm established in 1871 in Klimmen, Limburg, has implemented strategies including improved grass digestibility and participation in Nieuw Nederlands Weiden as part of the Netwerk Praktijkbedrijven program [3]. His farm participates in research aimed at achieving a 30% reduction in ammonia and methane emissions through management measures [3]. The Netwerk Praktijkbedrijven initiative, funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Safety and Nature as part of the ‘Integraal Aanpakken’ program, represents a coordinated effort to translate research findings into practical farming solutions [3][4]. Research by Harmen van Laar of Wageningen University & Research and Gerrit Hegen has shown that milk production can be supported with a diet containing 150 grams of crude protein, which reduces ammonia emissions [4]. The second lactation results and additional analyses on animal health from the primary study will follow later, providing crucial data on long-term sustainability and animal welfare impacts [1][7].

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sustainable agriculture dairy farming