Microbial Protein 101

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Last updated on October 4th, 2023 at 04:05 pm

If you're a cattle rancher, you should know what microbial protein is. But if you don't, that's okay! Many ranchers don't know what it is or how it can help cattle meet their protein requirements.

But that's why we're here today - to explain exactly what microbial protein is, why it matters, and how to increase it. In fact, it's a far more effective source of protein than any protein tub on the market...

Microbial protein is nothing new. Historically, the industry has just never put a focus on it, so it's not commonly understood. But it is important, and here's why: Microbial protein plays a huge role in helping your herd meet their protein requirements and optimum performance. Now, it can sound rather scientific and confusing, but luckily, it's not too hard to get a basic grasp of.

so what is microbial protein?

It all starts with live microbes in the rumen. There are trillions and trillions of them that live there, including bacteria, protozoa, and fungi.

Their job is to literally break down the feed as far as possible so the cow can squeeze out as many nutrients as possible. Now as these microbes do their job, they repopulate, and then they die. When the microbes die, they become a protein source for the animal. That is actually where the term microbial protein came from.

Now, what's important to note is that microbial protein makes up the majority of an animals' protein requirements. That's why it's so beneficial to create more of it!

why does microbial protein matter?

Microbial protein can make up between 30% and 90% of the daily protein requirements for your animal. That is significant.

It all starts when the microbes are actually alive. So the more microbes that are alive in the rumen, the more there are to break feed down faster. This allows the animal to uptake and absorb more nutrients faster, which essentially is helping them meet those nutrient requirements on less feed.

Now if there are more microbes doing their job, that also means there will be more microbes dying. Remember, when rumen microbes die, they become microbial protein.

The more microbes in the rumen, the more they help animals convert feed, and the higher percentage of microbial protein they provide. Ultimately, the less you have to depend on outside sources of protein, like a protein supplement, whether it be a tub, cake, or even hay, in some situations.

how does riomax impact microbial protein?

Riomax® uses what's known as IST, Indirect Supplementation Technology.

IST is completely fueled by a complex digestion pack called Nutrizorb®, which is found in every single one of our formulas. The very purpose of Nutrizorb® is to focus on feeding the microbes that we've been talking about. Nutrizorb® ensures that all the microbes in an animal's rumen are stimulated and hyper-activated, and ultimately, doing a better job of breaking down feed. That means more nutrients for your animal to absorb and use for peak performance.

As mentioned, this is where increased microbial protein comes from. At the end of the day, it means your cow is getting more protein naturally and you can rely less on outside sources of protein. That way, your animals become more efficient with the feed and the existing resources that you already have on your land base.