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Salivary and Metabolic Studies with Steers Fed Pelleted or Unpelleted Conventional and Purified Rations

U. S. Department of Agriculture

Abstract

A purified and a conventional ration were fed in pelleted and unpelleted forms, on an isocaloric basis, to determine the effect on salivary and metabolic characteristics of steers. Results from a metabolism trial indicate that pelleting significantly lowered crude fiber digestibility. Results from a salivary collection trial using steers equipped with esophageal and ruminal cannulas indicate that pelleting significantly lowered the ability of saliva to withstand changes toward more acid conditions. Saliva flow tended to be lower on the pelleted rations. Salivary flow determined 3 hr. after feeding was 1.3 and 1.8 liters per hour for the purified and conventional rations, respectively. Pelleting the rations resulted in a significant reduction in weight of ruminal ingesta.

Protein digestibility, nitrogen retention, molar percent of propionic acid and ruminal concentration of the volatile fatty acids were significantly greater, while urinary nitrogen, ruminal ammonia and pH, molar percent of acetic acid, resting salivary flow and buffering capacity of the saliva were significantly less for steers consuming the purified diets. Significant interactions between type of ration and pelleting were not observed.

¹ Animal Husbandry Research Division, ARS, U.S.D.A., Beltsville, Md.