Effect of replacing soybean meal with handmade fish meal on productive performance of lactating pelibuey ewes and their suckling lambs

Abstract

Twelve Pelibuey ewes were used to evaluate the effect of replacing soybean meal (PS) with a handmade product made of fish (HP) on milk yield and composition and body weight of their suckling lambs. The experimental period was carried out during the first three weeks of lactation, where changes in body weight, feed intake and milk production and composition were evaluated in sheep, and changes in body weight were evaluated on 22 of their lambs (initial wt = 2.52 ± 0.05 kg). The control diet and test diet were formulated to meet nutrient requirements of ewes during early lactation. The level of inclusion of PS and HP in diets was 7 and 3.5%, respectively. HP was elaborated with fish by-products (whole fish, heads, tails, and backbone). The chemical composition of HP averaged 50.8 ± 7.7% CP, fat 9.4 ± 0.8% and 22.7 ± 5.9% ash. There were no differences in BW changes and milk production. The protein content in milk and final body weight of suckling lambs were greater (P < 0.01) in the case of HP when compared to PS. It was concluded that HP is a suitable substitute of PS in lactating ewes and it does not affect DM intake and milk performance. An increase of protein concentration in milk from ewes that received HP may result in a greater body weight of the lambs during the first 21 days of age.