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Studies on protein utilization by ewes during lactation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

J. J. Robinson  and
T. J. Forbes
J. J. Robinson
Affiliation:
Agricultural Research Institute of Northern Ireland, Hillsborough, Co. Down and The Queen's University, Belfast
T. J. Forbes
Affiliation:
Agricultural Research Institute of Northern Ireland, Hillsborough, Co. Down and The Queen's University, Belfast
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Summary

A total of 64 Border Leicester × Greyface ewes were offered eight diets comprising four levels of digestible crude protein and two levels of metabolizable energy (ME) intake during gestation. After parturition the ewes on each gestation treatment were offered a high or low level of ME intake at a constant level of crude protein intake. Nitrogen balances were carried out on all ewes during weeks three and four of lactation.

Digestibility coefficients and output of nitrogen in the milk measured during the lactation balance periods were not significantly affected by the gestation treatments. Body nitrogen balance during lactation was significantly affected by the level of protein offered during gestation.

Empirical equations relating digestible crude protein intake and ME intake to milk nitrogen production and body nitrogen balance indicated that a digestible crude protein intake of 7·9 g/kg W0·75 per day and a ME intake of 220 kcals/kg W0·75 per day resulted in the production of 0·70 g milk nitrogen per kg W0·75 or approximately 100 g of milk per kg W0·75. The corresponding level of body nitrogen retention was 0·162 g/kg W0·75 per day and showed no consistent trend due to level of protein intake during gestation.

Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Production , Volume 12 , Issue 4 , November 1970 , pp. 601 - 610
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1970

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References

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