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Effect of Alfalfa Solubles on Urea Utilization by Beef Cattle^{1, 2,}

Purdue University, W. Lafayette, 47907 and Field Crops Laboratory, Western Utilization Research and Development Division, ARS, U.S.D.A., Albany, California 94710

Abstract

Three switch-back metabolism trials and three feedlot studies were conducted to test the effects of adding various levels of alfalfa solubles (AS) to complete mixed diets and liquid supplements for growing-finishing beef cattle in which supplemental protein was predominantly from urea. Nitrogen and energy utilization, dry matter digestibility, ruminal VFA's and rumen pH were the parameters compared for the metabolism studies and average daily gain and feed efficiency were the criteria for the feedlot trials.

The feeding of a diet that contained 0.5% AS (Experiment I) resulted in increased digestibility of dry matter (P< .05) and energy (P< .10); a trend towards increased retention of dietary and absorbed nitrogen; and lowered levels (P< .05 and P< .10) of rumen ammonia and plasma urea. In Experiment II (1% AS) rumen pH was decreased (P< .10) by the AS addition. No other significant differences were observed in the remaining parameters. In Experiment III (2% AS) the digestibility of energy was increased (P< .10) by the AS addition.

¹ Department of Animal Sciences Journal Paper No. 5255, Purdue University Agricultural Experiment Station.

² Supported in part by U.S.D.A. Contract No. 12-14-100-9557(74), Field Crops Laboratory, Western Utilization Research and Development Division, A. R. S., U.S.D.A., Albany, CA., 94710.

³ Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University.

⁴ Chief, Field Crops Laboratory, Western Utilization Research and Development Division, A. R. S., U.S.D.A.