asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware that since he has reduced the protein content of meals by 1 per cent, the average weights are down by a quarter of a pound on normal performance and broiler growers are finding it very difficult to break even on account of increased costs and lower production; and if he will initiate an increase of 1 per cent protein content in meals.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meal Protein Content.
52.
The protein content of certain animal foods was reduced in July/August last by the manufacturers themselves and not by any official direction. This action arose from the shortage of protein meals on offer in world markets and was necessary in order to use available supplies to the best advantage.
The supply position has improved since the lifting of the US export restrictions on 1st October and my Department has informed the manufacturers of compound foods that they must comply with the conditions of their licences relating to minimum protein levels. The extent to which these levels will be exceeded is a matter for the manufacturers.
Do I take it that the compounders have been asked to increase the protein content by that 1 per cent for which I understand the Department gave permission last July?
It is not correct to say that the Department gave permission. The compounders were well above the legal limits and were entitled, without any permission from the Department, to reduce the protein content to the level to which they brought it but I understand that all of the compounders have gone back to the previous level.
Is the Minister aware that some broiler growers maintain that their production has dropped by ¼lb. as a result of this reduction?
There was nothing that within the law the Department could do about this because the compounders were above the legal limits even with the reduction of 1 per cent.
Would the Minister consider making regulations providing for an increase in the protein content?
I am not aware that there is sufficient evidence to justify the Deputy's claim that it has this effect on production, but I can certainly have the matter looked into.