Mepron (rumen-protected methionine)
Mepron is the brand name for a time-released, rumen-protected DL-Methionine capsule for dairy cattle. It is a registered trademark of Evonik Industries.
Product
[edit]The product is a 1.8 mm x 3 mm, nearly-white cylindrical granule. The granules are free-flowing, and nearly insoluble in water. The product is nearly dust-free, and has a high level of durability.[1] It is coated in ethylcellulose, a rugged and durable fiber. Mepron is also heat- and pH-tolerant, and has a long shelf life.[2]
Uses
[edit]Dairy-herd milk production may be limited by the amino acid methionine; therefore, the amino acid is included in cattle rations to provide a well-balanced diet.[3] Normally a cow receives 10-20 grams of Mepron per day, depending on performance and ration composition.[4] According to a 2006 study, results "suggest that RPM [rumen-protected methionine] may be needed to improve milk production in Holstein cows with a mean production of 35 kg d-1 milk, fed with [a] diet based on alfalfa and corn silage. The optimum response was obtained with [the] addition of 16 g d-1 of ruminally protected methionine. Further studies are needed to determine if cows may respond to lysine supply once the methionine requirements are met."[5]
Safety
[edit]Mepron can be handled safely and is non-toxic, according to EU chemicals legislation.[6]
References
[edit]- ^ "RP Nutrients – the Nutrient Company".
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2011-07-18. Retrieved 2010-12-27.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ Patton, R.A. "Effect of rumen-protected methionine on feed intake, milk production, true milk protein concentration, and true milk protein yield, and the factors that influence these effects: A meta-analysis." Journal of Dairy Science, 93 (2010): 2105-2118.
- ^ "RP Nutrients – the Nutrient Company".
- ^ Lara, A. "Milk production in Holstein cows supplemented with different levels of ruminally protected methionine." Livestock Science. 105. (2006): 105–108.
- ^ "RP Nutrients – the Nutrient Company".