Due to the challenging growing conditions of last season, resulting in the increased price and reduced availability of ingredients like Lupins, supplementing sheep or cattle diets with a quality non-protein nitrogen (NPN) source such as Optisync can help reduce the total feed cost, resulting in maintained animal performance and profitability in these tough times.
To maintain good rumen function and, therefore good animal health, we need to satisfy the animal’s need for protein, energy, roughage and minerals. Dry matter content and digestibility, should also be considered along with the best quality water source.
In choosing the right feed for a particular situation, the objective is to select the lowest cost option feed or a combination of feeds that meet the livestock’s requirement for energy, protein, roughage and minerals while meeting the enterprise production requirements.
Common feed stuffs used to meet nutritional requirements include:
- Energy – grain, molasses, silage
- Protein – cotton seed, lupins, silage, hay, urea (non-protein nitrogen)
- Roughage – hay, silage
- Minerals – calcium carbonate, phosphorus
Optisync is a safe and traceable non-protein nitrogen (NPN) source with controlled release technology designed to provide a concentrated source of rumen degradable protein. Due to the high concentration of nitrogen, a small amount of Optisync can provide the equivalent of a larger amount of vegetable protein, allowing for customisation of the diet, to support higher production or potentially reduce feed costs.
Maximising feed efficiency
One of the key pillars of sustainable farming is maximising feed efficiency. Optisync plays a pivotal role in this endeavour by enhancing diet flexibility thanks to a reduced need for the inclusion of plant protein sources, which helps create space for more energy-dense diets.
According to a meta-analysis conducted by Alltech, the inclusion of Optisync in the diets of dairy cows resulted in a remarkable 23% reduction in the use of plant protein sources. This reduction translates to improved feed conversion rates and reduced feed costs, which helps contribute to the overall profitability of the operation while minimizing the waste of natural resources. Download the Meta-Analysis here.
Supporting rumen health
The health of the rumen is crucial for efficient nutrient utilisation and animal performance. Optisync supports rumen health by promoting the activity and growth of rumen bacteria. This, in turn, fosters a more sustained availability of ammonia to the rumen environment, ensuring that rumen bacteria have continued access to this essential food source. These improvements encourage more optimal digestion and absorption of nutrients from the diet, leading to enhanced animal performance.
Along with its ability to help optimize rumen function in beef and dairy cattle, Optisync also works to minimise the environmental impact of dairy and beef farming, as it facilitates the more efficient utilisation of dietary resources.
How does it differ from urea
Urea releases a lot of NH₃ in a very short time. Rumen bacteria can’t use enough of it, before it gets absorbed, ending up in the blood. This can be dangerous as too much ammonia in the blood can lead to urea poisoning. The technology used in manufacturing Optisync controls the release of nitrogen, in such a way for the rumen bacteria to utilise it effectively, reducing the risk of high blood ammonia levels and energy sparing effect from not having to remove excess NH₃ from the body.
How should I use Optisync?
Can be mixed with forages, like good quality silages and/or dry feeds (cereals, hays) in a mixer wagon or on a feed pad. It can also be added to concentrated meals and can be pelleted.
256% Equivalent Crude Protein from NPN | 41% NitrogenP
For more information on Optisync, contact your local Alltech Lienert representative or call 1800 649 231.
Contributors
- Author: Holly Geraghty
- Author: Tien Le
