All dairy animals need grams or pounds of protein per day which is the result of multiplying pounds or kilograms of dry matter times percent crude protein divided by 100, with consideration for rumen undegradable protein (RUP) percent. For prepubertal heifers (6 to 10 months of age), we recommend 16 percent crude protein with 30% RUP with an anticipated dry matter intake of 2.5% of body weight. We recommend feeding younger dairy heifers (3 to 5 months of age) a ration containing 17 to 19% crude protein with 35% RUP.
Mike Hutjens, Extension Dairy Specialist, University of Illinois - Illini DairyNET
