Effects of Rumensin Level During an Acidosis Challenge

Authors

Trey Patterson, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Todd Milton, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Galen E. Erickson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
M. Blackford, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Cal Parrott, Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, Ind.

Date of this Version

January 2002

Comments

Published in 2002 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. Copyright © 2001 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

Eighteen ruminally cannulated steers were used to determine effects of Rumensin level on incidence and severity of acidosis when an acidosis challenge was imposed. Steers received a high-concentrate finishing diet containing either 0, 30, or 45 grams/ton Rumensin. An acidosis challenge was created by feeding only 50% of diet intake one day followed by 175% of intake the next day, four hours post normal feeding time. Feeding Rumensin decreased feed intake during the prechallenge, challenge and acidosis recovery phase. Compared to 30 grams/ ton, feed intake was decreased by increasing Rumensin to 45 grams/ton during the five days following the acidosis challenge. Other feeding behavior and ruminal pH measurements were similar among treatments in all phases of this experiment. The imposed feed intake variation in this experiment did not create a significant acidosis challenge.