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Effects of Monensin on Mg, Ca, P and Zn Metabolism and Tissue Concentrations in Lambs^1,2,

Texas A&M University⁴ , College Station 77843

Abstract

A study consisting of two trials was conducted to determine the effects of monensin on the apparent absorption and retention of magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca) and zinc (Zn) and to determine mineral changes in tissue and ruminal fluid. Eight lambs (39 kg) were used in trial 1, and 10 lambs (37 kg) were used in trial 2. Animals were blocked by weight and fed a high concentrate diet with or without 20 mg/kg monensin. Trials began with a dietary adjustment period lasting 18 d in trial 1 and 21 d in trial 2. Animals were then placed in metabolism stalls for a 10-d stall adjustment period followed by a 12-d collection period. Collections to determine mineral balance were made during the first 10 d of the collection period. Blood and ruminal fluid samples were taken on d 11 of the collection period. Lambs were slaughtered on d 12 of the collection period and tissue samples were collected. Monensin supplementation increased (P<.05) Mg retention 42.0%. Urinary Ca excretion decreased (P<.05) 60.0% when monensin was fed. Monensin supplementation decreased (P<.05) liver Ca and bone Ca, 45.5 and 2.9%, respectively. Apparent P digestibility increased (P<.05) 40.0% and P retention increased (P<.10) 26.8% due to monensin supplementation. Both apparent absorption and retention of Zn increased (P<.01) 50.0 and 45.0%, respectively, with monensin supplementation. Ruminal fluid Zn concentrations decreased (P<.05) 33.0% with the addition of monensin. These results indicate that dietary monensin alters divalent cation and phosphorus metabolism and certain tissue and ruminal fluid mineral concentrations in lambs.

¹ Journal paper TA 19964. Texas Agr. Exp. Sta.

² Reference to a company or trade name does not imply approval or endorsement by the Texas Agr. Exp. Sta.

³ Present address: Dept. of Anim. Sci., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State Univ., Blacksburg.

⁴ Dept. of Anim. Sci.