Veggie alternative

21 November 1997

Veggie alternative

VEGETABLE proteins can replace fishmeal in the diets of high yielding dairy cows without reducing performance and save 25p/day/cow, according to the Kingshay Farming Trust.

Its research compared three protein sources – fishmeal, a rape/soya mix and a wheat-based protein – fed to 8000-litre cows as part of a complete diet formulated to provide the same levels of energy and protein.

Milk yields averaged 31 litres/cow/day and milk proteins 3.4% for all three treatment groups. But feed and forage costs were 25p/cow/day less for diets containing vegetable proteins compared with fishmeal.n

VEGETABLE proteins can replace fishmeal in the diets of high yielding dairy cows without reducing performance and save 25p/day/cow, according to the Kingshay Farming Trust.

Its research compared three protein sources – fishmeal, a rape/soya mix and a wheat-based protein – fed to 8000-litre cows as part of a complete diet formulated to provide the same levels of energy and protein.

Milk yields averaged 31 litres/cow/day and milk proteins 3.4% for all three treatment groups. But feed and forage costs were 25p/cow/day less for diets containing vegetable proteins compared with fishmeal.n