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Effect of Protein Supplements Containing Urea or Natural Protein on Concentration of Trimethylamine in Cow's Milk¹

Department of Animal Science and Industry, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station, Manhattan 66506

ABSTRACT

An attempt was made to reduce trimethylamine concentrations in milk by altering the protein supplement of the cow's rations. A gas chromatographic technique was used to analyze milk for trimethylamine. All cows were fed ad libitum a 1:1 mixture of alfalfa and prairie hay. Cows on the control ration also received a concentrate containing 43.5% sorghum grain, 43.5% corn, 10% wheat bran, and a 2.5% mineral-vitamin supplement. The protein equivalent was increased from 11% for the control ration to 17% for the other experimental rations by supplementing the ration with urea, Starea, or soybean meal. Each of three pairs of cows was fed one of the experimental rations, which was alternated with the control ration. For the fourth pair, the Starea ration was alternated with the urea ration. The urea ration reduced milk trimethylamine by 22%. Soybean meal supplementation did not appreciably affect trimethylamine in milk. Urea seemed slightly more effective than Starea in reducing concentrations of trimethylamine. To decrease trimethylamine in milk, it is recommended that urea or Starea be used as the supplementary source of protein in a cow's ration. Milk-flavor scores and trimethylamine concentrations were not related, probably because trimethylamine concentrations were well below threshold.

¹ Contribution No. 78-42-j, Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station, Manhattan 66506.