Methionine is an essential amino acid (AA) and it is one of the two AA’s that are often limiting in dairy cattle diets. During the transition period when cows are vulnerable and energy negative, Methionine also plays a metabolic role in helping to maintain the health of dairy cows.
In the liver, methionine enhances the metabolism of fat, which minimises the risk of fatty liver and ketosis. Methionine helps to minimise inflammatory processes and reduces oxidative stress through its metabolic synthesis of glutathione, a natural antioxidant.
A rumen-protected methionine supplement will help a pregnant or lactating dairy cow meet the elevated requirement of methionine for the synthesis of proteins, production of hormones and other molecules that have a positive impact on the immune system, and it will also assist with milk production during lactation.
The Role of MetiPEARL™ in Improved Dairy Cattle Health
Not all rumen-protected AA products are the same. It is important that a protected AA delivers the required amount of the nutrient to the right place, so that it is available for absorption and utilisation by the cow.
High rumen bypass alone does not deliver an adequate amount of available methionine to the cow. A high rumen bypass and poor small intestinal digestibility will only deliver a small amount of metabolisable AA, which may not meet the requirement of the cow.
Figure 1 shows the bioavailability of DL-methionine in a known quantity of MetiPEARL™.
