SourceNZ P8
SourceNZ P8 (P8) 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. P8 contains approximately 75 - 85% lactose (sugar).
Nutrient Analysis P8
Pricing Indicator
Tank Prices
SOURCENZ P8 COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS - 2009
Why should I consider feeding P8?
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, P8 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 P8 a consistent product?
While we cannot give an absolute guarantee of consistency, current P8 user feedback has generally been positive about the uniformity of the product.
How much P8 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 P8 to avoid rumen acidity, bloat and diahorrea. Usually, cattle offered P8 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 1.8 - 2.0 kgDM).
How much will the P8 cost me?
P8 is procured from OCC, who is based at Waharoa. The landed price of P8 will depend on the distance your dairy operation is from the OCC factory. As a general guide, the on-farm price within the greater Waikato will be in the range of 16 - 25c/kgDM. Please phone 0800 735 588 for more information regarding the pricing scheme.
Will my cows take to P8 immediately?
Every herd is slightly different with some herds requiring only a few days to get use to the unique taste of P8 while other herds requiring enticing. If your cows are not consuming some P8 within a few of days of introduction, add molasses at a ratio of around 1:4 (that is 1 part molasses to 4 parts P8). 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 P8 can be then be slowly reduced over time.
What can I feed P8 with?
While not as sweet as sugar, P8 increases the palatability of feeds like palm kernel and dry maize silage. P8 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 P8.
i. Added to other supplements in the feedout or mixer wagon. P8 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 P8?
SourceNZP8 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 P8 from the supply tanker to my storage tank?
The transport company pumps the P8 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 P8 from the storage tank to the troughs?
P8 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 P8 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 P8 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 P8. 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 P8 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 P8 within 2 weeks of delivery. Because of its low pH, P8 has a good shelf life.
Can I be guaranteed supply?
The amount of P8 produced is directly related to milk production therefore P8 volumes will peak during the spring, reduce during the summer and discontinue in late autumn. SourceNZ's supply of P8 to dairy farmers will be governed ultimately by the season and the milk production supply to OCC. 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 P8 receive their requirements during the summer and autumn, allocation will be determined by the P8 volumes used during the spring, or according to the contracted supply. Contracts are available for P8 for a fixed price (excluding transport costs).
Can I still expect to obtain P8 in the summer?
Yes - provided you have a contract.
Can I sign a contract?
Yes contracts are available for 12 months supply, based on our Supplier's season being June-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 P8 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 P8 contain?
P8 is low protein (approximately 2.0 - 3.0% 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).
I have a winter milk herd; can I secure P8 during the winter?
Yes P8 is available during the winter months. P8's low protein, high lactose and energy level is ideally suited to winter milk production.
Will P8 be available the following season?
SourceNZ reviews the supplier agreement annually.
