In fact, my own communications with veterinarians and nutritionists have indicated that slightly lower protein feeds seem to reduce gut insults, especially during cold weather, where possibly housing out-time is limited. However, again, lower protein and lower water consumption means lower plant yield, so these formulation decisions need to be coordinated. And, the reduced heat increment (heat produced from digestion) inherent in lowering the protein, will place more pressure on providing adequate background facility heat.