Page 9 - AWA Vol. 42-No.2 issue

ANiMAl HEAlTH

CNCPS in Belgium: a modern, technical approach to cattle rations

CNCPS, a physiologically based ra- microbial protein production and amino
tion model, offers a modern, dynamic acid requirements are less accurate.
approach to dairy cattle rations and is Amino Acids as the basis for protein op-
gaining popularity among Belgian dairy timization
farms.
CNCPS calculates the supply of metab-
In Belgium, the VEM/DVE system is tra- olizable protein broken down by individ-
ditionally used for ration evaluation. This ual amino acids. This allows much more
system is user-friendly but remains static precise control of amino acid supply
and takes little account of rumen fermen- than systems that only consider total me-
tation dynamics. The CNCPS model (Cor- tabolizable protein. Cow performance
nell Net Carbohydrate and Protein Sys- improves when the supply of essential
tem) offers a more physiologically based amino acids matches her actual needs.
and time-dependent approach to energy Methionine and lysine are usually the
and protein flows. Interest in this model is first limiting amino acids in dairy rations
also growing among Belgian dairy farms. and strongly influence milk protein and
What is CNCPS? fat production. In some situations (rations
CNCPS is a dynamic feed evaluation very high in forage or low microbial pro-
model that simulates fermentation, pas- tein production), histidine can also be-
sage, and digestion based on carbohy- partially degradable, and indigestible come limiting.
drate and protein fractions, each with its fractions, allowing a more realistic esti- This amino acid-focused approach
own degradation rate. The model pre- mation of protein supply over time. Each gives the cow exactly the building blocks
dicts the availability of energy and nitro- fraction has a kd value (degradation rate) needed for efficient protein synthesis, re-
gen over time and calculates the supply and kp value (passage), enabling CNCPS sulting in higher milk production, better
of metabolizable protein, broken down to predict when nutrients become avail- milk components, and a more stable met-
by amino acids. able to microbes and the animal. The abolic profile. At the same time, the total
kd value depends on feed character-
Key components of CNCPS: crude protein level in the ration can de-
istics, while the kp value depends on crease without performance loss, thanks
• Passage and degradation rates (kp animal-related factors (lactation stage,
and kd) for each fraction intake, weight). CNCPS is therefore func- to improved utilization. This reduces ni-
trogen excretion and improves the ratio
• Dynamic prediction of microbial tionally dynamic, unlike the VEM/DVE between technical results and environ-
growth based on fermentable carbohy- system, which uses static passage rates. mental efficiency.
drates and rumen-available nitrogen The role of NDF digestibility Support by VDS
• Models for rumen pH, fermentation The digestibility of the B3 fraction (po-
rates, and peNDF (physical effective tentially digestible NDF) largely deter- VDS Premix supports farms at every
NDF) mines the energy supply from forages. step in using CNCPS.
• Adjustments for animal-related fac- CNCPS uses multi-point measurements This support includes:
tors (body weight, feed intake, lactation of NDF digestibility, usually at four time • Analysis: assessment of fractions (A,
stage, body condition, heat stress, activ- points, to build an accurate fermentation B1, B2, B3, C), kd values, NDFd results,
ity) curve. This contrasts with older static es- and amino acid profiles of forages and
• Prediction of metabolizable amino timates, such as the traditional lignin × raw materials
acids 2.4 formula, which assumes a fixed rela- • Implementation of CNCPS software:
tionship between lignin content and indi- assistance with starting ration calculation
The result is a ration approach that gestibility without considering fermenta-
closely matches the physiological reality tion rates. software (AMTS or NDS)
of the dairy cow. • Standardization: working according
Advantages of the multi-point approach: to current CNCPS standards, adapted to
CNCPS versus VEM/DVE
• Better distinction between rapidly and your conditions, forage quality, and ob-
CNCPS distinguishes functional frac- jectives
tions for both carbohydrates and pro- slowly fermentable NDF
teins, each with its own degradation and • More realistic prediction of energy • Ration calculation and optimization:
passage characteristics. For carbohy- supply over time formulation, simulation, and fine-tuning
drates: • More accurate estimation of rumen fill of CNCPS-based rations
• Fraction A: VFAs, organic acids, and and DMI • Structural follow-up: periodic analysis
sugars • Better basis for optimizing forages, of results and continuous optimization
• Fraction B1: starch whose digestibility can vary greatly based on analyses and objectives
• Fraction B2: soluble fibers Accurate estimation of NDF digestibility With this support, VDS ensures efficient
is essential not only for energy supply and correct application of CNCPS, creat-
• Fraction B3: potentially digestible NDF ing a uniform and reliable basis for ration
but also for the proper use of rumen-pro-
• Fraction C: indigestible NDF tected amino acids. Without reliable pre- calculation and optimization.
For proteins, CNCPS also uses soluble, diction of NDF digestibility, estimates of Circle 9 on enquiry card
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