Nutritional Factors Affecting the Solids-Not-Fat Content of Milk

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Abstract
Increases in energy level and concentration in dairy rations result in increased SNF and protein in milk. Increases in rumen propionate concentration and decreases in the acetate to propionate ration were associated with these changes. Propionate may influence the synthesis of milk protein through control of liver amino acid metabolism. Elevated levels of [alpha]-amino nitrogen in blood plasma from feeding increased energy support this view. Increases in milk lactose content resulting from higher ration energy was less consistent because of the large change in blood glucose required to influence milk lactose. Pelleting of hay portion has resulted in higher milk SNF. This may be due to changes in rumen VFA. Pelleting and heat treatment of the concentrate have not altered milk SNF or protein; neither have large additions of protein or fat to dairy rations.