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Possible Mechanism of Agricultural Gypsum in Regulating Appetite

University of California, Davis¹

Abstract

The effects of salt (sodium chloride) and gypsum (dihydrated calcium sulfate) on the appetite of mature Hereford steers fitted with permanent leucite ruminal cannulas and on in vitro digestibility of cellulose were determined. Measurements were made also of the effect of gypsum on ruminal motility, excretion rate of chromic oxide, acid-base balance, and blood plasma sulfate concentration.

In contrast to gypsum, salt loses its effectiveness in regulating appetite if administered for several days intraruminally, but neither salt nor gypsum had any significant effect on the ruminal flora as measured by in vitro digestibility of cellulose in ruminal liquor. Gypsum had no effect on ruminal motility, but decreased the rate of passage of ruminal contents through the gastrointestinal tract, as traced by chromic oxide excretion.

Sulfate concentration in the plasma increased when gypsum was included in the diet, indicating absorption of the sulfate ion. Decreased pH of urine and blood, and a lowered carbon dioxide content and carbon dioxide capacity of the blood plasma all indicated acidosis resulting from high levels of gypsum. It is suggested that the anion-cation imbalance is a factor affecting appetite when gypsum is included in the diet.

¹ Department of Animal Husbandry.