ORIGINAL PAPER
A note on the effect of feeding calves on
fish-protein-based milk replacers
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Institute for Animal Husbandry,
Autoput 16, 11080 Zemun -Beograd, Yugoslavia
Publication date: 2000-10-04
J. Anim. Feed Sci. 2000;9(4):625-631
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
The effect of feeding calves of the Black-and-White East Friesian breed on milk replacers based
on proteins of animal origin were investigated. Skim milk powder was substituted at the levels of 0,
25, 50, and 75% by protein from fish protein concentrates produced using enzymatic hydrolysis. The
performance of calves, i.e. body weight and daily gain, was assessed and nutrient digestibility and
nitrogen balance were estimated.
There were no differences in daily liveweight gain during the whole period of the study (about
790-830 g) and in the liveweight of calves at the end of experiment (about 127-132 kg). Up to 60
days of age the daily gains of calves from control group (without fish protein) were higher (P<0.01),
709 g, than in remaining groups (689-621 g).
The results show that up to 75% of milk protein in milk replacers may be successfully substituted
by fish protein concentrate protein without adversely affecting calf performance.