Hydrolyzed feather meal as a protein source for growing calves.

Abstract

Growth, digestion and in situ studies were conducted to determine the protein value of hydrolyzed feather meal (Fth) for growing ruminants. Dacron bags containing blood meal (BM), Fth, corn gluten meal (CGM) and soybean meal (SBM) were suspended in the rumen of two steers for 12 h to estimate escape protein. The escape protein value for Fth, 69.1%, was less than that for BM (82.8%) and CGM (80.4%; P less than .05) but greater than that for SBM (26.6%; P less than .05). Apparent protein digestion by lambs was similar (P greater than .10) for isonitrogenous diets containing urea (U), BM, Fth, CGM and SBM. Amino acid contents of the protein sources before vs after a 12-h ruminal in situ digestion were similar (P greater than .10). In a growth study, a basal diet of 80% ensiled corncobs and 20% alfalfa was fed to 60 individually fed crossbred steers (215 kg BW). Steers were supplemented with U, BM, Fth, 1/2 BM:1/2 Fth, 1/2 BM:1/2 CGM and 1/3 BM:1/3 Fth:1/3 CGM (protein basis). Protein sources were fed at 30, 45 and 60% of the supplemental N with urea supplying the remainder. Protein efficiency was calculated using the slope ratio technique. Protein efficiency was similar (P greater than .10) for BM- and Fth-supplemented calves. Protein efficiencies were similar (P greater than .10) for BM:CGM, BM:Fth and BM:Fth:CGM combinations. These data indicate the Fth is a digestible high escape protein source that is useful in diets for growing ruminants.

Limiting amino acids in meat and bone and poultry by-product meals.

“…The increase in concentration of other essen- tial amino acids may be due to preferential bacterial degradation of nonessential amino acids and nucleic acids in the rumen. Although Weakley et al (1984) and Goedeken et al (1990) reported that amino acid profiles were not altered extensively during in situ incubation, this work agrees with that of Varvikko (1986) and Crooker et al (1981), who reported certain amino acids were more resistant to degradation than others. Amino acid concentrations before incubation were poorly correlated to amino acid concentrations after incubation (Table 6), with the exception of methionine, isoleucine, and lysine, which were highly correlated ( r = .97, .75, and .64, respectively, P < .05).…”

“…Ruminal incubation of these protein sources increased essential amino acid concentration ( P < .05) as a ratio of the CP escaping ruminal degradation (Table 6), with the exception of tryptophan, which decreased in concentration. This decrease in tryptophan, also observed by Goedeken et al (1990), suggests preferential degradation of tryptophan in the rumen. The increase in concentration of other essen- tial amino acids may be due to preferential bacterial degradation of nonessential amino acids and nucleic acids in the rumen.…”

Effects of dried distillers grains and equivalent undegradable intake protein or ether extract on performance and forage intake of heifers grazing smooth bromegrass pastures1

“…Goedeken et al (1990) reported an AA profile of corn gluten meal expressed as a percentage of CP of 4.3% Arg, 1.9% His, 4.2% Ile, 16.5% Leu, 1.8% Lys, 2.7% Met, 6.6% Phe, 3.7% Thr, and 4.5% Val after 12 h of ruminal incubation. MacDonald (2006) reported an AA profile of DDG expressed as a percentage of CP of 7.5% Arg, 4.2% His, 2.6% Ile, 10.4% Leu, 2.6% Lys, 1.4% Met, 3.2% Phe, 3.3% Thr, and 3.7% Val after 16 h of ruminal incubation.…”

Increasing nutrient availability of feather meal for ruminants and non-ruminants using an ammonia pressurisation/depressurisation process

“…7,8 As a result, other animal proteins such as blood (rich in lysine) may need to be added to enhance the nutritional quality of the product. 9,10 Even with processing, it is priced similar to other feedstuffs, ie soybean meal, with half the protein level. Low solubility and amino acid imbalance limits its use in non-ruminants in poultry 5 and swine.…”