J. Anim Sci.
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J. Anim Sci. 1985. 60:551-559.
© 1985 American Society of Animal Science
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The Influence of Sodium Bicarbonate and Dehydrated Alfalfa as Buffers on Steer Performance and Ruminal Characteristics1

T. E. Stroud, J. E. Williams, D. R. Ledoux and J. A. Paterson

University of Missouri— Columbia2 65211

Abstract

A 95-d feedlot trial utilizing 53 Angus and Angus x Hereford steers (340 kg) was conducted to determine the effects of adding dehydrated alfalfa pellets (Dehy) or a combination of Dehy alfalfa pellets and 1% sodium bicarbonate (Dehy + NaHCO3) to a 76.4% cracked corn (CC) - 12% cottonseed hull (CSH) control diet on average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency and nutrient digestion. The Dehy treatment resulted in greater (P<.05) ADG during the 77- to 95-d period compared with the control diet. The Dehy + NaHCO3 treatment increased (P<.05) ADG and feed efficiency for the 77- to 95-d period. The Dehy and Dehy + NaHCO3 treatments improved (P<.05) mean dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibilities compared with the control diet. A metabolism trial utilizing three rumen-fistulated Hereford steers (450 kg) in a 3 x 3 Latin square design evaluated the effects of diets on ruminal pH, buffering capacity, volatile fatty acid concentration and nutrient digestibility. The Dehy + NaHCO3 treatment increased (P<.05) rumen pH on d 5, 10 and 15 and the Dehy treatment increased rumen pH on d 10. The Dehy and Dehy + NaHCO3 treatments improved (P<.05) DM, NDF and N digestibilities compared with the control. Although Dehy and Dehy + NaHCO3 increased ADG and nutrient digestibility, Dehy + NaHCO3 was associated with a further improvement in rumen and blood variables of acid-basis status.

Footnotes

1 Journal Article 9535 of the Missouri Agr. Exp. Sta.

2 Dept. of Anim. Sci.






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