Spray-Dried Fish Solubles or Soy Protein Concentrate in Milk Replacer Formulations

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Abstract
Holstein calves were used to test the partial substitution of spray-dried fish solubles and soy protein concentrate for milk protein in milk replacers. Calves were placed on experiment between 3 and 8 days of age and were fed experimental diets as the only source of nutrients for 6 wk. Replacers were reconstituted with water to 14% solids and fed at 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 12% body wt from 1st to 6th wk. Calves were fed twice daily from open pails. Experimental diets consisted of: (1) 13% crude protein as milk protein; (2) 19% crude protein as milk protein; (3) 19% crude protein, 13% as milk protein, 6% as spray-dried fish solubles; (4) 19% crude protein, 13% as milk protein, 6% as soy protein concentrate; (5) 19% crude protein, 13% as milk protein, 3% as spray-dried fish solubles, 3% as soy protein concentrate; (6) 23% crude protein as milk protein; and (7) 23% crude protein, 13% as milk protein, 10% as spray-dried fish solubles. Diets containing fish solubles or soy protein were supplemented with methionine and lysine. Average daily body weight gains were higher for diets 2 and 6 containing high milk protein, intermediate for 4 containing 6% protein from soy protein concentrate and lower for the negative control (diet 1) and diets containing spray-dried fish solubles (3, 5, 7). Fecal scores, treatment of sicknesses and rectal temperatures were higher for diets containing spray-dried fish solubles. On diet 7, mortality rate was 30% compared to a mean of 12% for other diets, indicating that 10% protein from spray-dried fish solubles was excessive.