Nutritional Value of 1,2-Dichloroethane Extracted Fish Protein Cencentrate for Young Calves Fed Milk Replacer Diets

Abstract

Reasons for poor growth of calves fed milk replacers containing 1,2-dichloroethane-extracted fish protein concentrate (DCE-FPC) were investigated in three trials of 58 I4olstein calves which were fed experimental replacers as the only diet for 8 weeks starting at 3 to 7 days of age.In all comparisons, DCE-FPC was inferior to dried skimmilk as the only protein source in replacers, but DCE-FPC was superior to isopropanol-extracted FPC.Methionine addition to a replacer containing DCE-FPC did not increase calf growth.Known contaminants of DCE-FPC (DCE and ehlorocholine chloride) were added to dried skimmilk rations at levels comparable to their presence in DCE-FPC with no marked effect on calf performance.Further extraction of DCE-FPC with ethanol slightly increased gains whereas water washing resulted in poorer growth (P < 0.05).Calves on FPC rations exhibited microcytic, normochronic anemia which was associated with a poorer quality protein in FPC than in dried skimmilk.Anemia was also shown on a dried skimmilk ration low in protein.1V[uscle cell degeneration appeared in calves fed DCE-FPC diets which was similar to that in vitamin E deficient animals.