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Feather Meal as a Source of Protein for Fattening Lambs¹

University of Minnesota, St. Paul²

Abstract

Three trials involving a total of 145 lambs were conducted to determine the value of feather meal as a partial source of protein for fattening lambs. Two types of meal were fed; feather meal processed with high pressure and steam (3 trials) and feather meal processed by the addition of 50 lb. of hydrated lime per ton of feathers and no internal pressure (1 trial). The steam processed feather meal was fed in combination with ground corn and soybean oil meal or in combination with ground corn. The experiment indicated that while commercially processed feather meal has a tankage aroma, this odor was not objectionable to the lambs. Feed consumption was as great in the lots receiving feather meal as part of their protein supplement as that of the control lambs which received soybean oil meal. In the three trials, there were no significant differences between the rate of gain of the control lambs and (1.) lambs fed a combination of ground corn, soybean meal and feather meal, (2.) ground corn and feather meal or (3.) ground corn, soybean oil meal and lime processed feather meal. However, in four of six comparisons, slightly greater gains were realized in the lots receiving feather meal in their rations. Average carcass grade and yield was essentially the same for the lambs fed the basal ration and those fed the test rations.

¹ Paper No. 3569, Scientific Journal Series, Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station.

² The feather meal used in this experiment was kindly donated through the courtesy of Mr. James McDonald of Central Manufacturing Co., Wichita Falls, Texas.