Grass a determinant of milk protein levels

Findings from research and the Teagasc monitor farms indicate that high-quality, mid-season grass is one of the most important factors determining profitable milk production — and, particularly, milk-protein percent.

As mid-season grass quality varies up and down, so does the milk protein percentage and milk yield. Most of the milk from spring-calving herds is produced from mid-season grass.

Based on the average lactation stage of Irish cows, milk protein should keep rising from May, but, based on most co-op deliveries, the opposite is the reality.