HC Deb 21 May 1965 vol 712 cc295-6W
Mr. Jopling

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research work on the feeding of non-protein nitrogen is being carried out by the National Agricultural Advisory Service; by whom, where, and at what cost the work is being done; and when the work started.

Mr. John Mackie

Following earlier investigations at research institutes, the N.A.A.S. has undertaken some trials with non-protein nitrogen on experimental husbandry farms.

In the winter of 1963–64, in-lamb ewes at Pwllpeiran were fed with a non-protein nitrogen at two concentrations and this was compared on an equal cost basis with maize/linseed cubes.

In the winter of 1964–65 out-wintered beef stores of 18 to 20 months at Trawscoed were fed straw plus 4½ lbs. of meal or 2 lbs. of a non-protein nitrogen supplement daily and the results compared.

The N.A.A.S. considers that further work is needed, and studies with dairy heifer replacements and beef cows for suckler calf production are projected for the winter of 1965–66.

The cost of these trials is not separately available.