Effects of feeding wash-water solids on health and performance of ewes and lambs
1995
Williams, J.E. | Belyea, R.L. | Gieseke, L. | Clevenger, T.E. | Tumbleson, M.E.
Diets containing 0, 10, or 20% dried wash-water solids (WWS) from a milk processing plant were fed to 48 Hampshire crossbred ewes (average weight 58.1 kg) for 3 yr. Data were obtained on BW gains, hematology, tissue elements, and survival for ewes and BW gains, tissue elements and survival for their lambs. Ewes fed 20% WWS gained less (P < .05) BW during gestation and lactation in yr 1 and had lower BW (P < . 05) in yr 2 and 3 than those fed O or 10% WOOS. Lambs from ewes fed 20% WWS gained less (P < .05) BW in yr 2 and 3. Hematology variables of ewes, survival of ewes and survival of lambs were not affected by diet. Although WWS-containing diets contained high concentrations of Ca, P, Mn, and Fe and moderate concentrations of Mo, Mg, and Zn, diets had few effects on tissue elements in ewes and lambs. Concentrations of some tissue elements were less (P < .05) in lambs in yr 2 and 3 than in yr 1. Wash-water solids can be incorporated into ruminant diets, providing a disposal alternative that recycles and conserves nutrients. Long-term feeding posed only minor or negligible health or safety problems. Because of low energy and N availability and high ash content, WWS probably should be limited to 10% or less of conventional diets.
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