Replacement of fishmeal by rape-seed meal and soya bean meal in concentrates given to pregnant and lactating ewes

Abstract

Fishmeal has been considered for many years an important component of the diet of pregnant and lactating ewes (Hovell and Ørskov, 1989). Recently concerns have been raised over adverse effects of industrial fishing on fish stocks (House of Lords, 1996) and use of animal protein in ruminant diets (GAFTA, 1997). Alternative sources of protein (vegetable sources) to fishmeal have been proposed but they are either expensive or lacking in supply of essential amino acids. The research reported in this paper examines the performance of an alternative protein source to fishmeal given in late pregnancy to ewes bearing multiple offspring and as a creep feed to lambs.