The Metabolizable Energy Content of Wheat and Animal Products for the Chick

Abstract

The nitrogen corrected metabolizable energy (MEn) and nitrogen content of wheat, menhaden fish meal with and without solubles, and ring dried blood meal were determined. The WS-3 hard red spring wheat was grown in North Dakota (I), Oregon (II), and the Imperial Valley in California (III) and WS-1 hard red spring wheat was also grown in Oregon (IV) during the same year. The nitrogen levels of I, II, III, and IV were 3.0, 2.6, 2.3, and 2.6% on a dry matter basis. Differences occurred by location grown but not by variety. The MEn levels were 3.46, 3.47, 3.48, and 3.44 kcal/g dry matter for I, II, III, and IV. These values were 78, 79, 80, and 79% of the gross energy (GE). The nitrogen content of menhaden fish meal (MFM), 11.0%, was less (P<.05%) than that of menhaden fish meal with solubles (MFMS) which was 11.3%, dry matter basis. The determined MEn values of MFM and MFMS on a dry matter basis were 3.14 and 3.12 kcal/g of dry matter, or 67 and 68% of GE. An animal protein blend contained 11.1% nitrogen and 3.12 kcal/g of dry matter which was 68% of GE. These values were similar to those obtained for MFM and MFMS. Ring dried blood meal contained 15.8% nitrogen on a dry matter basis, indicating it contained 98.75% protein, assuming N × 6.25 equals crude protein. It contained 3.81 kcal MEn/g of dry matter which was 61% of GE.