Soybean Meal-Sheep

Two 3x2 factorial growth trials were conducted to determine whether the level of protein in the diet influence the activity of a slowly degraded protein ingredient to improve lamb growth and protein use. The treatments consisted of 13, 15 & 17 percent crude protein (dry matter basis) and replacing three percent of the dry matter with a slowly degrading menhaden fish meal. Results indicated that replacement of part of the soybean meal protein with protein from fish meal did not affect average daily gain or feed utilization at any protein level. There was little difference in performance of the lambs fed the 15 or 17 percent crude protein rations suggesting that a crude protein level of 15 percent with supplemental protein from soybean meal would be optimal for 25-40kg growing Finnsheep x Dorset lambs.

Dabiri, N. and M.L. Thonney. 2004. Source and level of supplemental protein for growing lambs. J. Animal Sci. 82(11): 3237-3244.