Effect of Rumensin and Feed Intake Variation on Ruminal pH

Authors

Rob Cooper, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Rick Stock, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Cal Parrott, Lilly Research Laboratories, Greenfield, IN
Dan Herold, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Date of this Version

January 1997

Comments

Published in 1997 Nebraska Beef Report. Published by The Agricultural Research Division, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Abstract

Six ruminally-fistulated steers were used to evaluate the effect of Rumensin and feed intake variation on ruminal pH. Steers were adapted to a 92.5 percent concentrate diet and then subjected to three levels of intake variation: ad libitum, intake variation of 2 lb/day, and intake variation of 4 lb/day. Feed intakes and ruminal pH were monitored continuously throughout the entire trial. Results indicate that Rumensin reduced acidosis by elevating average ruminal pH and decreasing are of ruminal pH below 5.6. In addition, Rumensin stabilized rate of intake and daily ruminal pH fluctuation at the high level of intake variation.