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Effect of Supplementing Equivalent Cation Amounts from NaCL, MgO, NaHCO₃ and CaCO₃ on Nutrient Utilization and Acid-Base Status of Growing Dorset Lambs Fed High Concentrate Diets¹

Cook College², New Jersey Agriculture Experiment Station, Rutgers University, New Brunswick 08903

Abstract

Two 8-wk feeding trials were conducted, each with 30 Dorset lambs. A nutrient digestibility and balance trial was conducted during the eighth week of Trial 1. In each trial, six lambs were fed one of five high concentrate diets. Major components (%, dry matter basis), of the basal diet were: corn (58.7%), oats (15.0%), chopped hay (15.6%) and soybean meal (9.3%). Other diets were achieved by adding .52% NaCl, .18% MgO, .75% NaHCO₃ and .47% CaCO₃, respectively. Quantities of NaCl, MgO and CaCO₃ were equi-valent to .75% NaHCO₃. However, mineral buffers varied in particle size and rate of reactivity. These factors influenced the acid-base status of the gastrointestinal tract, and rumen fermentation and nutrient digestibility and utilization were affected. Rumen fluid concentration of acetate was decreased when NaCl, MgO and NaHCO₃ were fed, as was the propionate concentration when NaCl, NaHCO₃ and CaCO₃ were fed. Feeding NaHCO₃ and CaCO₃ increased dry matter digestibility. Starch digestibility was decreased by MgO addition, but increased by CaCO₃. Retention of Na was decreased by MgO and NaHCO₃. Fecal pH was decreased when NaCl was fed and increased when MgO, NaHCO₃ and CaCO₃ were fed. Urine pH was higher when lambs were fed NaHCO₃. Dry matter intake, average daily gain and feed efficiency by lambs did not vary among diets.

¹ New Jersey Agr. Exp. Sta., Pub. No. D-06901-1- 83, supported by State and USDA Animal Health funds with material support from Church and Dwight Co., Inc., Piscataway, NJ 08854.

² Dept. of Animal Sci.