amino acid digestibility, by the formation of irreversible com- plex bindings known as the Maillard reaction. Heating at 110°C for up to 30 minutes does not impact amino acid di- gestibility; however, 150°C for three minutes or more signifi- cantly reduces digestibility. To accommodate the need for a quality protein source without simultaneously having to deal with scouring and low feed utilisation, Hamlet Protein has de- veloped a gentle processing technique that includes selected enzymes and gentle heating while protecting the essential amino acids. This results in highly digestible protein ingredi- ents which are better utilised, particularly by little calves, for a more uniform and vital calf herd.
Replacement of whey in calf milk replacers Dairy protein is the natural first choice of proteins when feeding calves due to the nearly 100% digestibility of its amino acids; however, dairy protein is also the most expen- sive protein source. A cost-competitive alternative to dairy proteins is needed, especially for veal production, but pro- ducers of rearing calves and heifer calves also benefit from a cost-competitive alternative. Soy protein products are the preferred vegetable protein choice as an alternative to whey protein due to the favoura- ble amino acid profile and high protein concentration. How- ever, the products must be of high quality in terms of nutri- tional values and product functionality if they are expected to partially replace whey protein. An enzyme-treated soy prod- uct, HP 100, has proven an excellent alternative in replacing 50% of whey in CMR. The calves were fed CMR containing HP 100 continuously for four weeks post-calving without com- promising growth while significantly improving faecal con- sistency (Figure 1 – Faeces are firmer in milk-fed calves when HP 100 is included in the CMR). The physical functionality of soy protein should be critically evaluated prior to mixing into a CMR. Products replacing whey protein need to stay in suspension and avoid sedimen- tation while calves are drinking. The HP 100 stays longer in suspension with less product sediment compared to other soy protein sources.
Protein of choice in pre-starter feeds By extension, these qualitative descriptions of a clean protein ingredient achieved by an enzymatic treatment are reflected in higher growth performance, more uniform calf herd and less scouring. (Figure 2 – At 10 weeks of age when calves are only fed soy protein, the hindquarters were cleaner and fae- cal condition was firmer when HP 300 was included in the pre-starter feed.) A commercial Dutch rosé calf producer compared the use of enzyme-treated soy (HP 300) to soybean meal (SBM) in pre-starter feed to more than 100 calves. The calves were split into two treatment groups. Within each of the two treatments were subgroups, calves above or below 54kg. By the end of the trial, calves fed HP 300 grew better and the little calves caught up with the bigger calves by 10 weeks of age. This trend was also reflected in liveweight at slaughter and carcass weight. SBM-fed calves were 2kg light- er than calves fed with HP 300 ( carcass weight). In conclusion, growth data of rosé calves and cost optimisa- tion of CMR for veal or dairy calves are both important con- siderations when feeding calves. Clean and highly bioavaila- ble amino acids with good functionality from enzyme-treated soy proteins is a reliable alternative to whey and other soy products. The right protein source for CMR or pre-starter feeds is needed to avoid scouring and to secure high protein utilisation, amino acids deposition in muscle, and organ de- velopment to get a uniform calf herd while maximising ani- mal performance.
Figure 2 - Calf hindquarter and faecal scores were cleaner and firmer when fed enzyme-treated soy protein.
Dirty 04 SBM HP 300
04 03 03
Clean
02 02 01
Hard
5.00 4.50
*
4.00 3.50 3.00 2.50
4 7 Week of age 10 Liquid
2.00 1.50 1.00
SBM HP 300 *
When starting the transition to solid feed, the pre-starter feed should be introduced gradually.
4
7 Week of age ▶ DAIRY GLOBAL | Volume 8, No. 2, 2021 21
10
Hindquarters score (1-4)
Weaning
PHOTO: HAMLET PROTEIN Fecal consistency score (1-5)
Weaning
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