Milk Fat

Although yield of milk fat is more responsive to diet changes, nutrition can also influence milk protein yield. Unfortunately, nutritional modifications that increase milk protein yield often decrease fat yield, and vice versa. Producers should consider altering diets to take advantage of changes in the relative value of milk fat to milk protein. Through most of 2020 and all of 2021 the value of milk protein was greater than of milk fat.

There is a common business adage that “what gets measured gets managed.” Every day, you’re digging into data to identify optimal solutions for the herd. One data point we’re focused on each spring is what to do about decreases in milk component percentages as the days get longer and hotter.

Over the past two months, a number of consultants asked why some of their Holstein herds’ milkfat and protein concentrations are well above historic levels. These herds are located from Michigan to New York and are encroaching upon Jersey herd milkfat and protein production. Of course, I am exaggerating the Holstein to Jersey comparison slightly and recognize Jerseys produce milk component levels well above Holsteins.