Effects of Protein Supplementation
Researchers at West Virginia State University conducted experiments to determine the effects of by-pass protein on fecal egg count reduction and post-weaning growth of parasitized, grazing lambs.
In the first experiment, spring-born Suffolk crossbred lambs were separated into three supplement groups: 1) alfalfa pellets; 2) corn and soybean meal; and 3) corn, soybean meal, and fish meal. In the second experiment, January-born Suffolk and Dorset lambs were separated into three supplement groups: 1) corn and soybean meal; 2) corn, soybean meal, and fish meal; and 3) corn, soybean meal, and fish oil. Lambs were supplemented at 1 percent of their average body weight.
Parasitized lambs may have increased dietary protein requirements. Protein supplementation improved gain and reduced fecal egg count in grazing lambs. Adding fish meal to the supplement increased gain and reduced fecal egg count. Lamb weight gain and packed cell volume was improved when lambs were fed rumen undegradable protein, such as fish meal.