Click on the individual areas for detailed information
Conventional MUN Report
Block B
All cows sampled for MUN are summarized for production and MUN levels. The herd is split out showing the percentages of your herd having high MUN (>18), low MUN (<12) and those in the middle. Thirteen months of information are provided so you can estimate a baseline for your herd and see if your present MUN levels are higher or lower than typical. Along with actual values, changes from baseline should be taken into consideration in deciding if feeding changes are needed.
Block C
This graph shows average MUN value for all cows, first lactation cows and later lactation cows for each of the last thirteen months. Use this graph to help determine your herd's baseline and easily see if your latest MUN averages are above or below the baseline. Take into consideration that summer heat stress may increase MUN values 2-3 points.
Block D
This graph illustrates the percentage of cows with MUN levels over 18 on a monthly basis during the past 13 months. Look for trends since one might assume cows on this graph (having MUN levels over 18) are eating rations with excessively high total protein level or high degradable protein or high soluble protein or fermentable carbohydrate (low starch levels can increase MUN) or unhealthy rumen environment (acidosis also causes high MUN values).
Block E
It is important when analyzing MUN results to look at subgroups in your herd. If your mid and late lactation groups have stable MUN levels but your early lactation cows are high, you should only be concerned about that group's ration. This table shows results for the most recent month.
Block F
This graph illustrates the average MUN level by stage of lactation over the last thirteen months. This information is useful in establishing baseline averages for your herd and observing months where averages are high or low. When analyzing MUN information, it is important to not overemphasize herd averages. Concentrate on the problem subgroups illustrated in this graph.
Block G
Guidelines for interpreting the MUN Report are provided in this section.
