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Influence of DL-Methionine Supplementation on Growth, Ruminal Fermentation and Dilution Rates in Heifers^1,2,

Montana State University, Bozeman 59717

Abstract

A 3 x 3 replicated Latin square design was used to evaluate three isonitrogenous supplements designed to supply 250 g crude protein (CP) daily. Measurements included in situ dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) fermentation and ruminal dilution rates. Supplements contained beet pulp plus DL-methionine and urea (MET), ammonium sulfate and urea (U) or soybean meal (SBM). Six mature, ruminally cannulated crossbred beef cows were individually fed supplement and a mixture (63% NDF and 6.1% CP) of chopped 75% grass hay and 25% barley straw in ad libitum. Fermentation rate of DM was increased (P < .05) by 30% with MET in comparison to SBM or U (9.54 vs 7.28% and 7.74%/h for MET, SBM and U, respectively). Even though MET improved fermentation rate by 30%, particle dilution rate was more important in affecting ruminal digestibility than fermentation rate. Two 90-d heifer growth trials were conducted to evaluate similar supplements. Supplements similar to those used in the in situ trial were mixed with roughage to provide a complete diet balanced for .3 kg daily gain. Heifers consumed 112% of the National Research Council CP requirement. Weight gain, intake and feed conversion were similar (P > .10) for all treatments. In heifer trial 2, 90% of the National Research Council CP requirement was fed. The heifers supplemented with MET and SBM had faster (P < .05) weight gains than heifers receiving U. These studies show that feeding DL-methionine with urea, as compared with feeding an isonitrogenous supplement containing SBM, increased the fermentation rate of DM. Heifer weight gains were improved when DL-methionine was added to urea to a point equal to that of heifers fed a SBM-based supplement.

¹ Contribution no. 1984 from Montana Agric. Exp. Sta.

² Appreciation is expressed to Degussa Corporation, Teterboro, NJ 07608 for donation of the DL-methionine and to M. J. McInerney for statistical assistance.

³ Anim. & Range Sci. Dept., Montana State Univ.

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