The role of essential amino acids in milk protein production in lactating dairy cows

The proposed research is directed at determining the effect of amino acid (AA) infusions on the milk synthetic regulatory proteins found in the mammary gland of the lactating dairy cow. Previous research in the area has shown that proteins called eukaryotic initiation factors (eIF), which synthesize proteins through mRNA translation, are a regulation point of protein synthesis in the liver, muscle, and possibly the mammary gland. The mammary gland uses dietary derived AA to synthesize milk protein. The supply of certain AA can increase milk protein production, though the translational regulation of milk protein synthesis that occurs during AA infusions is not known. The industrial partner produces feed for dairy cows in Canada and the research will be used in the development of products and services for Canadian dairy farmers to improve capture of dietary protein in milk, and reduce the loss of nitrogen to the environment.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. John Cant

Student:

John Doelman

Partner:

Nutreco Canada Inc.

Discipline:

Animal science

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

University of Guelph