Fish silage as a protein supplement for early-weaned calves

摘要: Two fish silages were prepared, one with formic acid alone (untreated) and formaldehyde (formaldehyde treated). These evaluated in a 15-week feeding trial using 30 Friesian steer calves of initial average liveweight 90 kg. The fed on pelleted basal diet consisting barley (approximately 570 g/kg dry matter (DM)), straw 220 DM) the following protein supplements: untreated silage (89 DM; Diet CS), formaldehyde-treated FS), urea (18 DM, U), white-fish meal (86 FM) plus (39 43 respectively; CSFM). Calves Diets CS, FS, U, FM CSFM consumed 361, 386, 437, 429 416 kg gained 0.87, 0.92, 1.04, 1.13 1.08 day−1 liveweight, respectively. Feed conversion ratios averaged 4.27, 4.37, 4.28, 3.87 4.01 DM/kg gain, Over whole trial, inclusion significantly depressed intake gain (P<0.05). similar for urea. Performance improved as progressed, last 7 weeks feed was to that superior Fish did not depress digestibility gross energy or organic measured 5 × Latin square mature wether sheep. Calf responses supplements agreement an evaluation basis dietary supply rumen undegraded requirements proposed by Agricultural Research Council.