Fish-protein hydrolysate as a substitute for milk protein in calf feeding

Abstract

SUMMARYTwo milk replacers identical in composition except for the protein source, which was either fish-protein hydrolysate (FPH) or dried skim milk, were offered either twice or four times daily to castrated British Friesian male calves in four ratios: 100 FPH 0 Milk; 67 FPH 33 Milk; 33 FPH 67 Milk and 0 FPH 100 Milk. Concentrates and hay were offered ad libitum, and the calves were weaned at 42 days of age. Feed intake and calf live weight were recorded to 100 days of age.There were no differences in growth rate up to weaning due to frequency of feeding. Up to 67% FPH there were no differences in growth rate but calves on the 100% FPH diet showed a 40% depression in growth compared with the other three levels. Up to 100 days there was no apparent effect of treatment on live-weight gain, but only differences of 12 to 13% would be significant.The results indicate that at least two-thirds of the milk protein could be replaced by FPH. The need for further work using dried material and FPH from other species is discussed.