Use of protected protein supplements in cow feeding: purposes of application, impact on physiological parameters of animals and economic efficiency of milk production (review)

The introduction of protected protein supplements into the diets of high-yielding cows is one of the modern strategies for enhancing livestock efficiency. These supplements consist of proteins protected from degradation in the rumen and delivered directly to the small intestine, promoting their more complete absorption and increasing animal productivity. This review article examines the primary mechanisms of action of protected proteins, their biological effects, and the specific features of using supplements derived from soybean and sunflower raw materials. An analysis of literary data demonstrates that incorporating these supplements into feed increases cow productivity, improves milk production metrics, positively affects milk composition, and supports the physiological condition of the animals. Furthermore, protected protein supplements enhance amino acid digestibility, reduce protein losses, optimize feeding costs, and ensure a stable milk production level even under high-performance demands. The article discusses the comparative characteristics of different types of protected proteins, their effectiveness, and the economic feasibility of their use in feeding. An analysis of the production technologies for protected proteins is conducted, identifying the key advantages of various methods for protecting protein from rumen degradation, including thermal processing, chemical modification, encapsulation, and extrusion. The prospects for further integrating these supplements into dairy farming are explored, considering their impact on animal health, product quality, and the need to refine optimal dosages. Particular attention is given to environmental aspects, such as reducing nitrogen emissions through optimized protein metabolism. Conclusions are drawn regarding the significance of protected protein supplements in enhancing the productivity of high-yielding cows and optimizing their feeding, contributing to sustainable, highly efficient, and environmentally safe milk production at the modern agricultural level.