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Digestion and Metabolism in Lambs and Steers Fed Monensin with Different Levels of Barley^1,2,

University of Saskatchewan⁴, Saskatoon, Canada

Abstract

Two experiments were conducted to examine the effects of barley level and monensin on feed utilization, ruminal volatile fatty acids (VFA) and blood parameters in lambs and steers. Monensin was added at two concentrations (0 and 33 ppm), and barley levels were set at 30, 50 and 70% for lambs and 30, 50, 70 and 90% for steers. Organic matter digestibility in lambs and steers increased (P<.001) by .30 and .25%, respectively, for each percentage increase in barley level. Digestion coefficients for control diets were approximately 7% higher (P<.001) with steers than with lambs. Monensin increased (P<.05) organic matter and crude protein digestibility in lambs but not in steers. Total ruminal VFA 3 hr postprandial were not influenced by barley level in either lambs or steers but were lower (P<.01) in lambs fed monensin. Monensin increased (P<.001) concentrations of propionic acid and decreased (P<.001) acetic and butyric acids in steers but had no effect (P>.05) on the concentrations of ruminal VFA in lambs. Ruminal ammonia concentrations were not affected by barley level but were lower (P<.01) in steers fed monensin. Plasma glucose was not affected by either dietary barley level or monensin, whereas plasma urea nitrogen increased (P<.001) with higher levels of barley.

¹ This research was supported by grants from Eli Lilly and Co. (Canada) Ltd., the Saskatchewan Horned Cattle Trust Fund and Agriculture Canada.

² Monensin (Rumensin®, Elanco Division, Eli Lilly and Co., Indianapolis, IN).

³ Present address: Univ. of Florida, Agr. Res. Center, Ona 33865.

⁴ Dept. of Anim. and Poul. Sci.