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Effect of rapid or gradual grain adaptation on subacute acidosis and feed intake by feedlot cattle^1,2

D. W. Bevans^*,, K. A. Beauchemin^*, K. S. Schwartzkopf-Genswein^*, J. J. McKinnon and T. A. McAllister^*,3

^* Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Research Centre, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 4B1 Canada; and and Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5A8 Canada

³ Correspondence: P.O. Box 3000 (phone: 403-327-2240; fax: 403-382-3156; e-mail: mcallister{at}agr.gc.ca).

The effects of grain adaptation protocol on subacute acidosis and feed intake by cattle were studied in a completely randomized experiment using 12 crossbred heifers (384 ± 25 kg BW). The dietary proportion of concentrate was increased from 40 to 90% (DM basis) either by rapid adaptation (65% concentrate diet fed for 3 d) or by gradual adaptation (five intermediate diets containing 48.3, 56.7, 65.0, 73.3, and 81.7% concentrate, fed for 3 d each). Feed intake and ruminal pH (by indwelling ruminal electrodes) were monitored over 20 d. Mean daily pH variables did not differ (P 0.10) between treatments on any of the 3 or 4 d that 65 or 90% concentrate was fed. Variances of a number of pH variables were greater (P < 0.05) for rapidly adapted heifers than for those on the gradual adaptation protocol during adaptation to 65 and 90% concentrate. Mean hourly pH did not differ over the first 24 h of adaptation to 65% concentrate, but variance of hourly pH tended (P < 0.10) to be greater for rapidly adapted than for gradually adapted heifers for eight of the first 24 h. On the first day of feeding 90% concentrate, ruminal pH tended (P = 0.07) to be less at 11 and 12 h after feeding with rapid adaptation than with gradual adaptation. Variance of hourly pH increased steadily in rapidly adapted heifers from 6 h after feeding onward. Ruminal VFA concentration and osmolality did not differ between treatments. Ruminal lactate concentration was <1 mM, except in two rapidly adapted heifers and one gradually adapted heifer after introduction to 90% concentrate. Adaptation method did not affect DMI or day-to-day variation in DMI. Detection of acidosis was associated with increased variance in ruminal pH variables. A range of individual responses to grain challenge was observed, but current management strategies for preventing acidosis in pens of cattle are based on responses of the most susceptible individuals. A better understanding of factors governing individual responses to acidotic challenge may allow for the development of more effective acidosis prevention practices.

Key Words: Acidosis • Concentrate • Grain Adaptation • Ruminal pH • Volatile Fatty Acids

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