Rumen Degradable Protein 2hrs
The Rumen Degradable Protein (RDP) is the balance of unstable protein in feedstuff or ration. This index indicates how much protein and energy becomes available in the rumen and whether these two components are balanced. A positive RDP balance means that more protein is available in the rumen relative to the energy. A negative RDP balance indicates a shortage of rumen protein.
RDP 2 hours shows the RDP value in the first two hours after feed intake. This fraction therefore informs on the rate of protein in the ration. A high RDP 2 hours indicates that in the first 2 hours after feeding, a protein surplus exists, for example due to a high proportion of soluble protein, such as in grass silage or Lucerne. Corn silage generally has a negative value for RDP 2 hours.