It is a dry, gritty meal with a soapy smell and has low palatability until cows get a taste for it. However, when short of pasture, it is an acceptable feed because it:
- contains reasonable levels of metabolisable energy (ME) (around 11 MJ ME/kg DM)
- contains reasonable levels of protein
- is relatively easy to introduce to cows over a range of farm systems.
The profitability of PKE is dependent on the price of PKE relative to milk price and the utilisation of PKE and pasture.
PKE management and the Fat Evaluation Index (FEI)
A Fat Evaluation Index (FEI) Grading System was introduced by Fonterra in 2018. This index was designed to indicate the suitability of the milk fat composition for processing into a variety of products.
The following information explains the FEI and how to manage PKE feeding levels so that milk is fit-for-purpose.
For more information on the FEI, why it was developed and the demerit system visit the Farm Source website or contact your local Farm Source Team or 24/7 Helpline 0800 65 65 68.
DairyNZ's investment in research
As a farmer-funded, industry good organization, DairyNZ is tasked with helping farmers understand and respond to any changes in the dairy industry such as new guidelines and recommendations.
DairyNZ is involved in farm systems trials investigating different management strategies for FEI compliance including Taranaki and Northland.