Evaluation of a hydrolysed fish protein concentrate in milk replacers

Abstract

Twenty one friesian calves (12 females and 9 males) in a first trial and 24 (males) in a second, randomly were assigned to three treatments (milk substitutes). The substitutes, prepared at the Centro Tecnológico de la Leche, had 20-21 % protein and 20 % fat (dm basis) and were offered at a concentration of 12,5 % total solids together with a pelleted starter. The milk substitutes had a) 100 % milk protein, or b) 25 or c) 50 % of the protein replaced with a chilean hydrolysed fish protein concentrate (with 85 % CP and 7,4 % fat).
The substitutes were fed diluted at 12,5 % total solids: 4 L per day from 1-28 days and 2 L from 29 to 42 days on trial. Starter and water were offered ad libitum from day 8 (trial 1) or day 1 (trial 2). Average daily gains during the fírst 14 days fluctuated between 0,36 and 0,45 kg (trial 1) and 0,18 and 0,25 kg (trial 2) (P>0.05). Performance improved considerably from the third week onwards. Total intake of substitutes was about 17 kg (dm). Intake of starter till weaning fluctuated around 25 and 30 kg on trials 1 and 2, respectively. Average live weight at weaning varied between 62 and 65 kg (trial 1) and 62 and 66 (trial 2). It was concluded that the hydrolysed fish protein concentrate studied is a promising source of protein for milk substitutes for replacement calves.