Nutrient Absorption by Lambs and Beef Cattle Fed High Forage or High Concentrate Diets

Authors

Robert A. Britton, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Gerald B. Huntington, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center
Ronald L. Prior, Hastings, NE

Date of this Version

1985

Document Type

Article

Comments

Published in Beef Research Program Progress Report (1985) No. 2: 82-84

Abstract

A better understanding of nutrient digestion, absorption, and metabolism is essential to improve growth rate and feed efficiency in ruminants. Absorption and metabolism of nutrients, such as glucose, lactate, and amino acids, are ones which may be affected greatly by sources and level of energy in the diet. Actual amounts of these nutrients being absorbed and available for utilization have not been characterized well in ruminants. The research being reported here describes nutrient absorption and glucose and lactate metabolism in cattle and sheep fed two basic diets, alfalfa and an 85 percent concentrate diet.