SourceNZ P6
SourceNZ P6 (P6) is a lactose product which is a by-product of cheese manufacturing. Lactose is often referred to as whey permeate, which is the watery part of the milk. P6 contains approximately 75 - 85% lactose (sugar).
Testimonials for SourceNZ P6
Pricing Indicator
Nutrient Analysis P6
Tank Prices
SOURCENZ P6 COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS - 2009
What is SourceNZ P6?
SourceNZ P6 (P6) is a lactose product which is a by-product of cheese manufacturing. Lactose is often referred to as whey permeate, which is the watery part of the milk. P6 contains approximately 75 - 85% lactose (sugar).
Why should I consider feeding P6?
A consistent feature of all lactose feeding studies has been a significant increase in total dry matter intake of cows. Because of the lactose content, P6 has an energy rating of greater than 13MJME/kg DM. This high energy and low protein complements pasture for most of the year. In research trails, lactose fed to dairy cows has been shown to improve the capture of ammonia (produced from the pasture) by rumen microorganisms, which should result in lowering the nitrogen content in urine and an improvement in milk solids production.
Is P6 a consistent product?
While we cannot give an absolute guarantee of consistency, current P6 user feedback has been very positive about the uniformity of the product.
How much P6 should I feed?
Because lactose is a “milk sugar” and is easily fermented in the rumen it is important to adapt the animal slowly to P6 to avoid rumen acidity, bloat and diahorrea. Usually, cattle offered P6 tend to adapt themselves slowly and normally several weeks introduction are required before the animals achieve good intakes. Start by feeding around 5 – 6 litres/cow/day for several days and build up to around 11 - 13 litres/cow/day (approximately 2.0 – 2.3 kgDM).
When I can I feed P6?
Because of the high K levels, care should be taken not to feed lactose to cows in late gestation (3-4 weeks pre-calving). P6 can be fed safely any time outside this period.
How much will the P6 cost me?
P6 is procured from Tatua Co-op, Tatuanui, Morrinsville. For the 2009/2010 season the landed price of P6 within the greater Waikato will be set at 2cents/kg DM less than the landed price of palm kernel with a cap of 25cents/kg DM. The price of P6 will be adjusted monthly and based on the average price of three key suppliers of palm kernel within the Waikato. Please phone 0800 735 588 for more information regarding the pricing scheme.
Will my cows take to P6 immediately?
Every herd is slightly different with some herds requiring only a few days to adjust to the unique taste of P6 while other herds require enticing. If your cows are not consuming some P6 within a few of days of introduction, add molasses at a ratio of around 1:4 (that is 1 part molasses to 4 parts P6). If cows are still not interested, increase the ratio to around 1:3 or as much as required to encourage uptake. The amount of molasses in the P6 can be then be slowly reduced over time.
What can I feed P6 with?
While not as sweet as sugar, P6 increases the palatability of feeds like palm kernel and dry maize silage. P6 can be fed with many other feeds including by-products or fed on its own in troughs.
How do I feed it?
There are several options available when feeding P6.
i. Added to other supplements in the feedout or mixer wagon. P6 mixes well with maize silage and palm kernel.
ii. Fed as a liquid in water troughs which can be located at the entrance or exit races to the milking shed or in troughs located around the feed pad area.
iii. Added to feeds that are fed in the Dairy.
iv. Added to maize silage/ palm kernel or other supplements after they have been placed in the feed bins (pour on top).
What equipment do I need to store P6?
SourceNZP6 has a density very similar to water, therefore a water tank would be strong enough to contain the product. However, if you have to purchase a tank we recommend buying a molasses grade tank. This will give you more flexibility in the future if you decided to store other products. Please contact our office before purchasing your tank as we can put you in touch with reputable suppliers who can provide competitive pricing and ensure that your investment is done correctly the first time.
Where do I locate the tank?
The storage tank needs to be located no further than 20 metres from an all weather road suitable for a truck and trailer unit.
How do I get the P6 from the supply tanker to my storage tank?
The transport company pumps the P6 from the truck to the storage tank. Please note that a 80mm male camlock coupler is required on the input side of the tank and should be easily accessible to the tanker driver without the need to climb a ladder etc.
How do I get the P6 from the storage tank to the troughs?
P6 flows similarly to water and the product will flow under gravity. A standard water pump can be used if a pump is required to transport P6 from the tank to the troughs; however, we would recommend a slightly higher-grade pump. A separate pump is required if molasses is to be used at some stage. SourceNZ have a specification and pricing sheet available on request. A 25mm alkathene pipe is sufficient to use from the tank to the troughs.
How many troughs do I require for my herd?
There’s no simple answer to this question. The number of troughs required will be influenced by many variables such as size of individual cows, stage of lactations, milk production, the time of year P6 is being fed, how much moisture is in the grass, what other supplements are included in the diet and how long the cows will have access to the P6. Cows have the ability to drink between 4 - 16 litres/minute. With all these considerations in mind start with 6 - 8 meters of trough length per 100 cows with the option of being able to increase trough capacity if necessary.
How long will the P6 store in a tank?
This depends on the time of the year – the warmer the weather the shorter the storage shelf life. As a general guideline, as the temperature increases aim to feed the P6 within 2 weeks of delivery. Because of its low pH, P6 has a good shelf life.
Will I need to clean my storage tank?
Over time sediment does settle at the bottom of the tank. It will be necessary to clean the storage tank from time to time.
Can I be guaranteed supply?
The amount of P6 produced is directly related to milk production therefore P6 volumes will peak during the spring, reduce during the summer and discontinue in late autumn. SourceNZ’s supply of P6 to dairy farmers will be governed ultimately by the season and the milk production supply to Tatua. However, SourceNZ has exclusive supply so there is no risk of other purchasers taking the supply either in total or in part. Because SourceNZ wants to ensure that clients that commit to purchasing P6 receive their requirements during the summer and autumn, allocation will be determined by the P6 volumes used during the spring, or according to the contracted supply. Contracts are available for P6 for a fixed price (excluding transport costs) for 12 months at a time.
Can I still expect to obtain P6 in the summer?
Yes – provided you have a contract.
Will the price increase during the season?
As mentioned under the paragraph ‘how much will the P6 cost me’, the price landed on farm will be determined by the price of palm kernel but capped to 25cents/kg DM.
Can I sign a contract?
Yes contracts are available for 12 months supply, based on our Supplier’s season being July-May.
What is the time delay between ordering and delivery?
Generally, you should allow 2 -3 days. Ordering can be done during office hours but delivery is 7 days a week.
How much P6 do I have to order at a time?
The indicated on-farm price is based on a tanker load deliver (approximately 25,000 litres). Smaller loads can be ordered but the delivery price will increase accordingly.
What else does P6 contain?
P6 is low protein (approximately 2.0 – 3.5% CP) but is relatively high in some minerals, particularly potassium (K). Because of the high K levels, care should be taken not to feed lactose to cows in late gestation (3-4 weeks pre-calving).
Will P6 be available the following season?
Yes, SourceNZ will have P6 available the following year.
