Dairy producers and nutrition consultants alike understand the importance of a well-managed nutritional program during the transition period for the health and productivity of their herd. The success, or lack thereof, of these nutrition programs has potential to affect the productivity and longevity of cows and thereby influence farm profitability. Our research data suggest an opportunity to improve early lactation performance by increasing the metabolizable protein (MP) supply during the postpartum period; and during an appropriate economic situation, producers might benefit from feeding a high level of MP pre- and postpartum.