What is Protein Plu$?

Protein Plu$ was a $1.2-million three-year project that concluded in October 2006.

The projected identified ways for Queensland and Western Australian dairy farmers to improve their milk protein levels.

Maintaining milk protein levels was recognised as a major issue for farmers in these states during the summer months. Protein levels from dairy herds reliant on tropical pastures were historically lower than herds grazed on temperature pastures throughout southern Australia. 

Low protein levels affect farmers' profits because the value and marketability of milk is mainly determined by its protein content. There are regions in Queensland and Western Australia where milk protein concentration fails to meet the ANZFA (Australian New Zealand Food Authority) standard for a significant part of the year. This standard determines the amount of protein that whole milk must contain before it can be sold at retail. 

How does Protein Plu$ benefit the dairy industry?
Protein Plu$ has made a significant difference to the protein levels of the summer milk for dairy farmers in Western Australia and Queensland. In Western Australia, researchers have reported an average increase of more than 0.1 per cent in bulk milk delivered to two of the main dairy companies.

This has also improved farmers profitability because depressed protein levels reduce the efficiency of processing manufactured dairy products, which costs farmers several cents a litre.

What resources did Protein Plu$ offer?

Protein Plu$ delivered these resources:

• Feed Plus database which contains a list of 1100 feeds utilised by about 1400 milk suppliers representing the sub-tropical dairy production areas from Kempsey in NSW to Atherton in North Queensland. It also includes areas in Western Australia.
• Protein Plu$ Check Book which provides a guide for increasing milk protein levels and farmers' profits.

Copies of the Protein Plu$ Check Book are available from the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries.