Effect of rumen alkalizers and on performance buffers and diet digestibility of feedlot steers

Abstract

Distillers grains (DG), a by-product of the ethanol industry, is exceptionally high in energy and protein, however, its inclusion in beef cattle diets have high potential to increase the acidity of the rumen, which limits the performance. As such, ruminal fermentation of fiber in the DG is likely inhibited by the acidity arising inherent to neutralize this acid strategies, such as adding additives such as alkali metal or feed, which may benefit the animal. Food buffering additives are widely used on a commercial basis to improve the harmful effects of acidogenic diets that have high levels of concentrate. In studies by Purdue team has been observed that the addition of calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, potassium carbonate or the feed stabilize rumen pH, improves the digestibility of fiber, and enhances the performance of feedlot cattle. However, the possibility that the addition of alkaline compounds in the feed can change the digestibility of the feed has not been exploited. In this context, the objective of the study is to determine the digestibility of the feed at several time points after treatment. with alkalis - calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, potassium carbonate and calcium hydroxide + potassium carbonate.