Ruminants

RUMINANTS:

•In the ruminant, fishmeal provides dietary protein and fat, which is subject to less change in the rumen than from other raw materials.  The high quality protein escaping rumen degradation can provide limiting amino acids for digestion beyond  the rumen, improving the balance of the amino acids absorbed from the intestine
•The protein degraded in the rumen improves fibre digestion.  Productivity increases as a consequence
•The long chain omega fatty acids in fishmeal partly escape hydrogenation in the rumen.  They contribute to fatty acid uptake.  Fertility, development of the embryo and newborn are improved and disease resistance is improved.  The benefits of fishmeal feeding are as follows:

DAIRY COWS:

Higher milk yields – increases typically 1 to 2 litres per day
Milk protein content increased typically by 0.1% to 0.2% units
High levels (1kg or above) may depress milk fat – important for health conscious consumers
Fertility, especially conception rate improved – typically by 10 to 15% units

BEEF CATTLE:

Faster growth
Increases levels of omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) deposited in meat.  Whilst meat from grass fed   beef has low levels present other meat does not – fishmeal feeding will boost this
Improved utilisation of high forage diets

SHEEP:

Improve fertility
Faster lamb growth
Low levels of omega-3 acids (DHA and EPA) deposited in the meat
Improved utilisation of high forage diets
Can slim over fat lambs

SOURCE: IFOMA