Inclusion of different monensin levels in supplements for beef cattle, and effect on weight gain, ruminal fermentation,ruminal degradability, total digestibility rate and methane in the rumen

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the inclusion of different monensin levels in supplements for Nellore cattle, and the effect on weight gain, average daily consumption and individual consumption (experiment I), and ruminal fermentation (pH, N -NH3 and VFA), ruminal degradability, total digestibility rate and determination of methane in the rumen (experiment II). In both experiments, 4 treatments will be used: control, containing protein supplement and control plus three levels of monensin addition (400, 800 or 1200). It will be used 64 male Nellore cattle, in Brachiaria decumbs pasture, during 120 days, 16 per treatments. The average supplement intake will be measured weekly and the animals will be weighed at each 28 days. Blood samples will be also collected each 28 days for estimating individual supplement consume. In the experiment II, four cattle Nellore, with cannulas in the rumen and ingesting Brachiaria decumbs. In the experiment III, four cattle Nellore ingesting Brachiaria decumbs for determination of methane in the rumen. Hay. These four cattle Nellore will remain during 84 days, in a 4x4 latin square, followed by a 14-day adaptation and seven-day data collection. As results we expect that monensin utilization can reduce the average supplement intake, but it can providing however, a better feed efficiency, ruminal degradability and total digestibility rate. Besides that, we also expect a decrease in the emission of one. (AU)