Acceptability of Tanner Crab Meal in Concentrates for Lactation1,2

Abstract

Five pelleted concentrates were fed to 30 lactating Holstein cows to compare acceptability of tanner crab (Chionoecetes bairdi) meal with soybean meal. Crab meal substituted for soybean meal at 0, 25, 50, 75, or 100% on an isonitrogenous basis; concentrates contained 19:0, 14:7.5, 9.5:15, 5:22.5, or 0:30% soybean meal:crab meal. Barley/oat silage and concentrate were blended on a dry matter basis in ratios of either 56:44 or 50:50 and fed for ad libitum consumption. Cows reduced feed intake when first offered 7.5, 22.5, or 30% crab meal concentrates. Feed intake was lowest on 30% crab meal concentrate and was highest on 15%. When rations were 50% concentrate, some cows rejected 22.5 and 30% crab meal concentrates. Persistency of 4% fat-corrected milk production was highest for cows fed 0% crab meal concentrate. Cows fed 30% crab meal concentrate lost 18kg, while those fed 7.5 and 22.5% gained 3 and 13kg, and those fed 0 and 15% gained 22 and 24kg. The effect of crab meal on ration palatability and animal performance was of greater consequence than effect of crab meal on milk flavor.