Effect of variety and level of inclusion of barley silage selected for varying neutral detergent fiber digestibility on ruminal fermentation and nutrient digestibility in feedlot heifers fed backgrounding and finishing diets

2019 ◽  
Vol 99 (2) ◽  
pp. 268-282
Author(s):  
Jayakrishnan Nair ◽  
David Christensen ◽  
Peiqiang Yu ◽  
Aaron D. Beattie ◽  
Tim McAllister ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Latin Square ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Ruminal Fermentation ◽  
Minimal Impact ◽  
Finishing Diets ◽  
Ruminal Ph ◽  
Fiber Digestibility ◽  
Barley Silage ◽  
Tract Fiber

Two metabolism studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of variety and level of inclusion of barley silage on ruminal fermentation and total tract nutrient digestibility using beef heifers fed backgrounding (Study 1) and finishing (Study 2) diets. Both studies were 4 × 4 Latin square designs with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (barley varieties, CDC Cowboy and Xena; levels of inclusion, LOW and HIGH). Barley varieties did not vary in 30 h neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility and averaged 37.1% ± 1.86% (% of NDF) across varieties. Heifers fed CDC Cowboy had greater (P = 0.05) mean ruminal pH and a lower (P = 0.01) duration under pH 5.8 relative to those fed Xena in Study 1, whereas heifers fed HIGH-silage diets had lower (P = 0.05) duration under ruminal pH 5.8 than those fed LOW-silage diets in Study 2. Variety of barley had minimal impact on ruminal fermentation and total tract nutrient digestibility in heifers fed barley silage, although high NDF content decreased energy intake. High NDF barley varieties and greater inclusion levels also increased ruminal pH which may improve total tract fiber digestibility in heifers fed finishing diets.

scholarly journals Effect of stage of maturity at harvest for forage pea (Pisum sativum L.) on eating behavior, ruminal fermentation, and digestibility when fed as hay to yearling beef heifers

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 149-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex A Pursley ◽  
Bill Biligetu ◽  
Tom Warkentin ◽  
Herbert A Lardner ◽  
Gregory B Penner
Keyword(s):  
Pisum Sativum ◽  
Eating Behavior ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Starch Digestibility ◽  
Ruminal Fermentation ◽  
Beef Heifers ◽  
Passage Rate ◽  
Ruminal Ph ◽  
Pisum Sativum L

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the stage of maturity at harvest for pea hay (Pisum sativum L., c.v. CDC Horizon) on dry matter intake (DMI), eating behavior, ruminal fermentation, and digestibility when fed to beef heifers. Pea hay was cut at EARLY (defined to occur when flat pods were on one or more nodes), MID (when seeds filled the pods at one or more nodes and the leaves were changing from green to gold), and LATE (yellow dry seeds filled pods on most or all of the nodes and the pods and leaves had a yellow color) phases, and was cured in the field and baled. Six ruminally-cannulated Speckle Park heifers were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with three 18-d periods including 12 d for adaptation, 2 d for measurement of ruminal pool sizes, and 4 d for the collection of eating behavior, ruminal pH, ruminal digesta, and feces. For all treatments, the respective pea hay was included at 40% of the dietary DM. Stage of maturity at harvest for pea hay did not affect total DMI, pea hay DMI, or the total short-chain fatty acid concentration in ruminal fluid with averages of 8.6 kg/d, 3.2 kg/d, and 96.55 mM, respectively. The duration of time spent ruminating decreased with advancing pea hay maturity when reported as min/d, min/kg DMI, and min/kg neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (P ≤ 0.01). Mean ruminal pH also decreased with advancing pea maturity (P < 0.01). The ruminal DM and undigested NDF corrected for OM pools were not affected by stage of maturity (P ≥ 0.55) nor was the rate of digestion for NDF. However, NDF passage rate decreased by 0.21%/h with advancing pea hay maturity (P = 0.02). Apparent total tract digestibility of NDF (average = 16.30%, P = 0.41) was not affected, but starch digestibility decreased from 96.10% to 93.08% with advancing pea hay maturity (P = 0.07). Overall, stage of maturity at harvest for pea hay does not appear to affect DMI or NDF digestibililty but decreases chewing activity, apparent total tract starch digestibility, ruminal pH, and ruminal NDF passage rate.

scholarly journals PSIV-22 The effects of altering ruminal fermentable carbohydrate supply in finishing diets containing distillers grains on rumen fermentation characteristics and nitrogen utilization

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 220-220
Author(s):  
Cody Ream ◽  
Allison V Stevens ◽  
Gwinyai Chibisa
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Ammonia Concentration ◽  
Distillers Grains ◽  
Ruminal Fermentation ◽  
Carbohydrate Source ◽  
Finishing Cattle ◽  
Finishing Diets ◽  
Ruminal Ph ◽  
Total Urine

Abstract This study examined the effects of altering ruminal fermentable carbohydrate (RFC) supply by feeding different amounts of corn and wheat in finishing cattle diets containing 15% corn dried distillers grains [DDGS; dry matter (DM) basis] on ruminal fermentation characteristics and nitrogen (N) utilization. Six ruminally-cannulated crossbred heifers were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with 28 d periods. Dietary treatments were either corn (73% of diet DM; CON), 53:20 corn:wheat blend (20W) or 33:40 corn:wheat blend (40W) as the major fermentable carbohydrate source. Diets were isonitrogenous (12% CP; DM basis). Feed intake was measured daily. Indwelling pH logger were used to measure ruminal pH (d 22 to 28) and ruminal fluid was collected from d 26 to 28 to determine fermentation characteristics, as were feces and urine to measure N excretion. Data was analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS. Dry matter and N intake tended to be lower (P ≤ 0.07) for heifers fed the 40W compared to the CON and 20W diets. There was no diet effect (P = 0.15) on total VFA concentration; however, the duration and area for pH < 5.5 tended to be longer (P = 0.07) and greater (P = 0.096), respectively, for heifers fed the 20W and 40W compared to the CON diet. There was no diet effect (P ≥ 0.44) on ruminal ammonia concentration and total urine N excretion (g and % of N intake). However, urine urea N (UUN) excretion as a percentage of total urine N tended to be lower (P = 0.05) in heifers fed the 20W and 40W compared to the CON diet. In summary, although altering RFC supply by feeding increasing amounts of wheat resulted in a decrease in UUN excretion, it also caused a decrease in ruminal pH that possibly compromised DM intake.

scholarly journals 223 Effects of high protein DDGS in SFC or DRC-based diets on nutrient digestibility and ruminal fermentation characteristics

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 128-128
Author(s):  
Lauren Ovinge ◽  
Mitch Norman ◽  
Kaylee Wheeler ◽  
Galen E Erickson
Keyword(s):  
Latin Square ◽  
Ammonia Concentration ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
High Protein ◽  
Starch Digestibility ◽  
Experimental Unit ◽  
Ruminal Fermentation ◽  
Dried Distillers Grains ◽  
Ruminal Ph ◽  
Treatment Design

Abstract The effect of high protein dried distillers grains plus solubles in steam flaked corn (SFC) or dry rolled corn (DRC)-based diets on rumen fermentation and nutrient digestion was evaluated. Six ruminally and duodenally cannulated heifers were utilized in a 6×6 Latin Square experiment using a 2×3 factorial treatment design. One factor was SFC or DRC-based diets, and the other factor was a control with no DGS (CON), regularly produced DDGS (DDGS), or High Protein DDGS (HiPro) included at 30% in the diet (DM basis). Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS, with individual steer within period as the experimental unit. There was an interaction of apparent total tract starch digestibility (P 0.01), as including either DDGS or HiPro reduced starch digestibility in DRC-based diets and tended (P = 0.06) to reduce starch digestibility in SFC-based diets. Digestibility of starch was greater (P < 0.01) for SFC versus DRC-based diets across distillers treatments. Dry matter and OM apparent total tract digestibility was lowest (P < 0.01) for HiPro and DDGS was intermediate. There was no difference in molar acetate proportions (P > 0.43) between treatments. Dry rolled corn tended (P = 0.08) to have greater propionate proportion than SFC (44 vs 38%; respectively). Ammonia concentration was greater (P < 0.01) for DRC-based diets, and greatest for CON (P < 0.01) over DDGS and HiPro treatments. Average ruminal pH was unaffected by treatment (P > 0.16). Digestible energy (Mcal/kg) tended (P = 0.08) to be greater for CON over HiPro and DDGS. The use of HiPro did not affect apparent total tract nutrient digestibility as compared to DDGS in SFC or DRC-based diets. The use of either distillers product did result in a reduction in energy intake and digestibility, without affecting ruminal metabolic parameters.

Canola screenings as a fiber source in barley-based feedlot diets: effects on rumen fermentation and performance of steers

2000 ◽  
Vol 80 (1) ◽  
pp. 161-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. J. Pylot ◽  
J. J. McKinnon ◽  
T. A. McAllister ◽  
A. F. Mustafa ◽  
J. Popp ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Control Diet ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Dietary Treatment ◽  
Barley Grain ◽  
Feedlot Cattle ◽  
Beef Steers ◽  
Ruminal Fermentation ◽  
Finishing Diets ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Barley Silage

Two experiments were conducted to determine the feeding value of canola screenings in combination with barley grain for beef steers. Four dietary treatments were used. These included canola screenings:barley grain ratios of 100:0; 75:25, 50:50, and 25:75 (as-fed basis). In a metabolic trial, the effects of dietary treatment on ruminal fermentation parameters were determined in a 4 × 4 Latin square design experiment using four ruminally fistulated steers. In a production trial, 66 individually fed steers were used in an 83-d finishing trial to determine the performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot cattle fed different levels of canola screenings. A barley grain/barley silage-based control diet was also fed for comparison purposes. Ruminal pH decreased (P < 0.05) while total volatile fatty acid concentrations increased (P < 0.05) as the level of barley grain in the diet increased. Ruminal NH3–N followed a pattern (P < 0.05) similar to that of pH. Inclusion level of canola screenings had no effect on DM intake. However, ADG and feed efficiency increased (P < 0.05) as the level of barley grain in the diet increased. Increasing the level of barley grain in the finishing diet decreased (P < 0.05) lean meat yield and increased (P < 0.05) carcass fat. It was concluded that canola screenings can be included as a source of fiber in barley-based diets. However, levels in excess of 500 g kg−1 reduced the performance of feedlot steers. Performance and cost of gain with 250 and 500 g kg−1 canola screenings in barley-based finishing diets were comparable with those fed an 800 g kg−1 barley grain and 200 g kg−1 barley silage diet. Key words: Canola screenings, ruminal fermentation, feedlot steer performance

scholarly journals Processing index of barley grain and dietary undigested neutral detergent fiber concentration affected chewing behavior, ruminal pH, and total tract nutrient digestibility of heifers fed a high-grain diet

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tao Ran ◽  
Atef M Saleem ◽  
Karen A Beauchemin ◽  
Gregory B Penner ◽  
Wenzhu Yang
Keyword(s):  
Barrier Function ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Barley Grain ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Blood Metabolites ◽  
Fiber Concentration ◽  
Finishing Cattle ◽  
Ruminal Ph ◽  
Grain Processing

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of processing index (PI) of barley grain and dietary undigested neutral detergent fiber (uNDF) concentration on dry matter (DM) intake, chewing activity, ruminal pH and fermentation characteristics, total tract digestibility, gastrointestinal barrier function, and blood metabolites of finishing beef heifers. The PI was measured as the density after processing expressed as a percentage of the density before processing, and a smaller PI equates to a more extensively processed. Six ruminally cannulated heifers (average body weight, 715 ± 29 kg) were used in a 6 × 6 Latin square design with three PI (65%, 75%, and 85%) × 2 uNDF concentration (low and high; 4.6% vs. 5.6% of DM) factorial arrangement. The heifers were fed ad libitum a total mixed ration consisting of 10% barley silage (low uNDF), or 5% silage and 5% straw (high uNDF), 87% dry-rolled barley grain, and 3% mineral and vitamin supplements. Interactions (P &lt; 0.01) of PI × uNDF were observed for DM intake, ruminating and total chewing time, and DM digestibility in the total digestive tract. Intake of DM, organic matter (OM), starch, and crude protein (CP) did not differ (P &gt; 0.14) between low and high uNDF diets, but intakes of NDF and acid detergent fiber were greater (P = 0.01) for high uNDF diets regardless of barley PI. Heifers fed high uNDF diets had longer (P = 0.05) eating times (min/d or min/kg DM) and tended (P = 0.10) to have longer total chewing times (min/kg DM) than those fed low uNDF diets. Additionally, heifers sorted (P = 0.01) against long particles (&gt;19 mm) for high uNDF diets but not for low uNDF diets. Altering PI of barley grain did not affect (P &gt; 0.12) total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration, molar percentages of individual VFA, or duration of ruminal pH &lt; 5.8 and &lt;5.6. Total VFA concentration was less (P = 0.01), acetate percentage was greater (P = 0.01), and duration of ruminal pH &lt; 5.8 and &lt;5.6 was less (P = 0.05) for high compared with low uNDF diets. Digestibility of DM, OM, and CP was greater (P = 0.02) for low vs. high uNDF diets with PI of 65% and 75%, with no difference between low and high uNDF diets at PI of 85%. Blood metabolites and gastrointestinal tract barrier function were not affected (P ≥ 0.10) by the treatments. These results suggest that increasing dietary uNDF concentration is an effective strategy to improve ruminal pH status in finishing cattle, regardless of the extent of grain processing, whereas manipulating the extent of barley processing did not reduce the risk of ruminal acidosis.

251 Effects of Roughage Source on Rumination Time and Ruminal Ph in Steers Fed a Steam-flaked Corn Finishing Diet

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 127-127
Author(s):  
Wyatt Smith ◽  
Catherine Lockard ◽  
Caleb Lockard ◽  
Megan Homolka ◽  
Kendall Karr ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Latin Square ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Beef Steers ◽  
Finishing Diets ◽  
Ruminal Ph ◽  
Penn State ◽  
Dietary Treatments ◽  
Particle Separator ◽  
Finishing Beef Cattle ◽  
Different Sources

Abstract Research is limited on how physically effective fiber from various roughage sources aids in rumination time and ruminal pH of finishing beef cattle. This experiment’s objective was to evaluate rumination time and ruminal pH of beef steers consuming finishing diets with varying roughage sources (corn stalks, cotton burrs, or wheat silage). We hypothesized that roughage type would not impact rumination time and ruminal pH if different sources provide similar dietary neutral detergent fiber (NDF). Ruminally cannulated steers (n = 6; average BW = 644.56 + 13.15 kg) were used in a 3 × 3 replicated Latin square with 3 dietary treatments and 3, 21-d periods (20-d diet adaptation, 1-d sampling). Steers consumed a steam-flaked corn-based finishing diet containing corn stalks (CS), cotton burrs (CB), or wheat silage (WS) included at 7% (DM basis) of the diet. Dietary NDF was similar across treatments. Steers were fitted with a sensory collar to record daily rumination (Allflex Livestock Intelligence). Ruminal pH was measured using a handheld pH probe on d-21 at 0, 3, 6, 12, 24 hr postprandial. The NDF and dry matter intake (DMI) were greatest for steers consuming the WS diet (P &lt; 0.01) while CS and CB diets did not differ (P = 0.81). While dietary NDF and estimated physically effective NDF (peNDF) were similar among roughage sources, CB had the lowest actual peNDF, consistent with lower rumination time (P &lt; 0.01) and lower ruminal pH (P = 0.29). This experiment’s results indicate that roughage source impacted rumination time despite feeding steers a steam-flaked corn-based finishing diet with similar roughage and NDF levels. Using rumination time (min/d) to determine peNDF was a better indicator of rumen function parameters than particle size measured via the Penn State Particle Separator equation.

Precision processing barley grain did not affect productivity of lactating dairy cows

2013 ◽  
Vol 93 (2) ◽  
pp. 261-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Schlau ◽  
L. Duineveld ◽  
W. Z. Yang ◽  
T. A. McAllister ◽  
M. Oba
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Nitrogen Concentration ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Barley Grain ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
Ruminal Fermentation ◽  
Kernel Size ◽  
Lactating Dairy Cows ◽  
Barley Silage

Schlau, N., Duineveld, L., Yang, W. Z., McAllister, T. A. and Oba, M. 2013. Precision processing barley grain did not affect productivity of lactating dairy cows. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 93: 261–268. This study evaluated the effects of precision processing (PP; processing based on kernel size) barley grain on ruminal fermentation and productivity of lactating dairy cows. Twenty multiparous Holstein cows, including eight ruminally cannulated cows, were used in a replicated 4×4 Latin square design with 21-d periods. Diets contained light barley grain processed precisely using a narrow roller setting (LB), heavy barley processed precisely using a wide roller setting (HB), processed HB and LB mixed at equal proportions (PP), or equal parts of light and heavy barley grain processed at a single narrow roller setting (CON). All diets consisted of 40% barley grain, 40% barley silage, and 20% of a supplement premix. Comparisons were made between LB and HB to evaluate the effect of barley quality, and between PP and CON to evaluate the effect of precision processing. Dry matter intake, sorting index, ruminal fermentation characteristics, and nutrient digestibility were not affected by diet. In addition, milk yield and concentrations of milk fat, protein, and lactose were not different, although milk urea nitrogen concentration was greater for PP vs. CON and for LB vs. HB. These results suggest that precision processing barley grain based on kernel size may not drastically affect ruminal fermentation and milk production in lactating dairy cows.

scholarly journals Apparent total tract digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and blood metabolites in beef steers fed green-chopped cool-season forages

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tessa M Schulmeister ◽  
Martin Ruiz-Moreno ◽  
Mariana E Garcia-Ascolani ◽  
Francine M Ciriaco ◽  
Darren D Henry ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lolium Multiflorum ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Blood Metabolites ◽  
Beef Steers ◽  
Annual Ryegrass ◽  
Ruminal Fermentation ◽  
Cool Season ◽  
Plasma Urea ◽  
Ruminal Ph

Abstract An experiment was conducted during the winter of two consecutive years to evaluate the effects of feeding green-chopped cool-season forages on digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and blood parameters in beef steers. Nine ruminally cannulated Angus crossbred steers (year 1: 359 ± 79 kg; year 2: 481 ± 105 kg) received ad libitum green-chopped forages from pastures planted with one of the following mixtures: 1) OAT = Horizon 201 oats (Avena sativa L.)/Prine annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) at 95 and 17 kg/ha, respectively; 2) RYE = FL401 cereal rye (Secale cereale L.)/Prine annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) at 78 and 17 kg/ha, respectively; or 3) TRIT = Trical 342 triticale (X Triticosecale spp.)/Prine annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) at 95 and 17 kg/ha, respectively. Intake was measured using the GrowSafe system and orts were discarded prior to subsequent feeding. After a 14-d adaptation, feed and fecal samples were collected twice daily for 4 d to determine apparent total tract nutrient digestibility using indigestible neutral detergent fiber (NDF) as an internal marker. On day 19, blood and ruminal fluid samples were collected every 3 h during a 24-h period to analyze plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) and glucose, ruminal pH, and concentration of ruminal ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) and volatile fatty acids (VFA). Data were analyzed as a generalized randomized block design with repeated measures using the PROC MIX of SAS. No effect of treatment (P &gt; 0.05) was observed for intake of dry matter, organic matter (OM), crude protein, NDF, or acid detergent fiber. Apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients was greater (P &lt; 0.05) for OAT and TRIT when compared with RYE, with OM digestibility being 82.7%, 79.6%, and 69.5%, respectively. An effect of time (P &lt; 0.01) was observed for ruminal pH. Plasma concentration of glucose was greater (P &lt; 0.01) in steers consuming OAT, whereas steers fed RYE had greater (P &lt; 0.05) concentrations of ruminal NH3-N and PUN, and the least concentration of total ruminal VFA (P &lt; 0.05), despite having the greatest (P &gt; 0.05) molar proportion of acetate, branched-chain VFA, and acetate:propionate. Increased nutrient digestibility and favorable ruminal fermentation and blood metabolites of OAT and TRIT are potentially conducive to enhanced growth performance when compared with RYE.

scholarly journals Citrus pulp in lamb diets: intake, digestibility, and ruminal parameters

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 3421 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eduardo Lucas Terra Peixoto ◽  
Mirton José Frota Morenz ◽  
Carlos Elysio Moreira da Fonseca ◽  
Elizabeth Dos Santos Moura ◽  
Karla Rodrigues de Lima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Rumen Fluid ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Average Weight ◽  
Corn Meal ◽  
Ruminal Fermentation ◽  
Ruminal Ph ◽  
Citrus Pulp ◽  
Fermentation Parameters

<p>This study aimed to evaluate the viability of replacing corn meal with citrus pulp (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 % dry matter of corn meal) by evaluating several nutritional parameters such as intake and digestibility of nutrients, and ruminal fermentation parameters. The diets were formulated to be isoproteic with a roughage:concentrate ratio of 60:40. Five crossbred lambs with an initial average weight of 26.1 ± 1.8 kg were used and distributed in a 5 x 5 Latin Square design. For digestibility of nutrients was carried out to feed, orts, and feces collection. The evaluated nutrients were dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, ash, neutral detergent fiber, fiber acid detergent and lignin. Were determined nitrogen and carbohydrate fractions, and ruminal fermentation parameters (N-NH 3 and ruminal pH). The results were subjected to analysis of variance and regression analysis (t-test; ? = 0.05). Citrus pulp inclusion in the diets did not affect intake and digestibility of nutrients, or the pH and the NH3-N content of the rumen fluid. Citrus pulp can be used as a total substitute for corn in concentrate or up to 26.5% in the total ration for lambs (dry basis). </p>

Improving ruminal fermentation and nutrient digestibility in dairy steers by banana flower powder-pellet supplementation

2018 ◽  
Vol 58 (7) ◽  
pp. 1246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sungchhang Kang ◽  
Metha Wanapat
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Bacterial Count ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Ruminal Fermentation ◽  
Ruminal Ph ◽  
Rumen Ecology ◽  
Microorganism Population ◽  
Banana Flower

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of banana flower powder pellet (BAFLOP pellet) on nutrient digestibility, rumen ecology and microorganism population. Four rumen-fistulated dairy steers of 200 ± 20 kg bodyweight were randomly assigned to receive four dietary treatments according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The treatments were as follows: control (T1), NaHCO3 supplementation at 20 g/kg of total dry-matter feed intake (DMI; T2), BAFLOP-pellet supplementation at 20 g/kg of DMI (T3) and BAFLOP-pellet supplementation at 40 g/kg of DMI (T4). All cattle were fed roughage–concentrate mix (30 : 70 ratio) at 25 g/kg bodyweight. Standard management protocols were employed during the experimental periods. The results showed that nutrient digestibility was increased in steers supplemented with NaHCO3 and BAFLOP pellets at 40 g/kg DMI (P < 0.05). Although ruminal temperature and blood urea nitrogen were not influenced by dietary supplementation, ruminal pH was increased (P < 0.05) in steers supplemented with NaHCO3 and BAFLOP pellets at 40 g/kg DMI. In addition, NaHCO3 supplementation increased bacterial and protozoal populations, whereas populations of fungal zoospores were similar among treatments. Supplementation with BAFLOP pellets at 40 g/kg DMI increased the bacterial count, whereas protozoal numbers were similar to those in the control group (P < 0.05). On the basis of the present findings, BAFLOP-pellet supplementation improved nutrient digestibility, ruminal pH and microbial population, without having any adverse effects on voluntary feed intake. The present study showed promising results for BAFLOP pellets (40 g/kg DMI) as a rumen dietary buffering agent, suggesting that these pellets could be used a replacement for sodium bicarbonate in ruminants fed high-concentrate diets.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document