Dr. M.S. Lilburn, Ohio State University/OARDC recently completed a study on protein quality trials entitled, Protein Quality of Whole Spent Hens co-Extruded with Corn or Wheat Compared with Soybean Meal or Meat and Bone Meal.

Dr. Lilburn's report states -

"While the diets containing CHM (Corn Hen Meal), WHM (Wheat Hen Meal), and SBM (soybean meal), had varying effects on intake and body weight gain, there was only small but inconsistent differences between these three sources of protein when the data from all protein levels was considered (see Table 7, below and attached chart). All three proteins gave far superior PER (Protein Efficiency Ratio) and NPR (Net Protein Ratio) responses when compared with MBM (Meat and Bone Meal)."

Dr Lilburn's summary of these trials --

"The extruded corn and wheat-hen diets were of similar protein quality to soybean meal when compared in an in vivo bioassay and were significantly better than meat and bone meal. Amino acid digestibility was approximately 80% for the indispensable amino acids of greatest interest (methionine, lysine, tryptophan, arginine) but was only 70% for threonine."

Results of the study regarding the illeal amino acid digestabilities of the CHM, WHM, and MBM diets are shown in table 9. While MBM diets were relatively high in OH-proline (specific to collagen) the illeal amino acid digestibility for this MBM compared closely to that reported by other researchers for broilers.

These experimental studies conducted by Ohio State researchers and other studies demonstrate the protein quality and important nutritional value that Extruded Poultry Meal can contribute to livestock feed formulation. Ongoing laboratory analysis of the Extruded Poultry Meal produced by Great Plains Proteins will assure a consistent and cost effective feed ingredient. --- George M. Speers, Ph D., Nutritionist.

Protein Efficiency Ratio
(gm BW gain/gm protein intake)
from alternative protein sources

Source - M.S. Lilburn, Ohio State University