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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 23 November 2017
Reducing the phosphorus (P) content of dairy cow diets has the potential to help reduce P losses. However, P is an essential nutrient, and has many roles within the body, while in addition, rumen microbes have a requirement for P (NRC, 2001). Thus, if dietary P levels are inadequate, this could have a negative effect on rumen function, nutrient utilisation and energy metabolism. An experiment was undertaken to examine the effect on energy metabolism and P utilisation of offering dairy cows diets containing reduced levels of dietary P.