New concentrate protein rules for grazing and dairy animals

The review of Ireland’s fifth Nitrates Action Programme (NAP) introduced two new rules relating to the crude protein content of concentrates fed to bovines. The rules were signed into law at the end of February and concern the crude protein content of concentrates fed to grazing animals, along with affording dairy farmers the opportunity to influence nitrogen excretion rates of cows.

Crude protein and dairy cows

The nitrogen excretion rates used for dairy cows across the three different bands are based on cows being fed a concentrate with an average crude protein content across the year of 16% or greater. The NAP regulations now take recognition of the lower nitrogen excretion rate achieved by dairy farmers who opt to manage crude protein in the concentrates fed to their cows at a lower level across the year.

Table 1 details the standard excretion rate taking concentrates with an average of 16% crude protein and the effect of lowering this to 13% to 15%. The regulations state the average crude protein is on an “as fed” basis.

“For the year 2025, it will be based on the average crude protein across all concentrates fed to dairy cows in 2025. For subsequent years it will be based on the average crude protein across all concentrates fed to dairy cows in the preceding calendar year.”

This essentially means that the average crude protein content fed in 2025 will influence excretion rates across two years.

Maximum crude protein at grass

A limit on the maximum crude protein in concentrates fed to bovines while grazing is not totally new, with rules in place for holdings with a grassland stocking rate at or above 130kg/ha organic nitrogen in 2024.

This rule set a maximum crude protein content of 15% in concentrates fed to bovines aged two years and upwards at grass between 15 April and 30 September 2024.

Following the review of the NAP, the crude protein content allowed in concentrates fed to bovines aged two years and upwards at grass between 15 April and 30 September 2025 is set at a maximum of 14%.

This applies to all farmers, irrespective of their stocking rate in the previous year.

Grazing cattle less than two years of age and any bovines not at grass full-time do not have to abide by this rule and can continue to feed concentrates with a crude protein content above 14%. The only caveat to these rules is where a higher crude protein content is advised on animal welfare grounds or to satisfy dietary needs.

In such a scenario the Department, at inspection, will accept written confirmation from the feed supplier, a recognised ruminant nutritionist or an accredited Farm Advisory Service (FAS) adviser stating that “a higher level of crude protein is required”.

Farmers must have written evidence available where this is the case. They are also obliged by law (SI 113 of 2022 as amended) to possess records of purchased feed, stating the quantity and type of concentrate fed to animals, including the crude protein content.

In short