Effects of Forage Quality, MDGS, and Monensin on Performance, Methane Concentration, and Ruminal Fermentation of Growing Cattle

Authors

Anna C. Pesta, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Andrea K. Watson, University of Nebraska–LincolnFollow
Samodha Fernando Fernando, University of Nebraska–LincolnFollow
Galen E. Erickson, University of Nebraska–LincolnFollow

ORCID IDs

Andrea K. Watson

Date of this Version

2014

Citation

2014 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report, UNL Extension MP99, pp. 29-31.

Comments

Copyright © 2014 University of Nebraska.

Abstract

A growing study was conducted to evaluate a novel method for measuring methane concentration by feedlot cattle, and to determine the effects of forage quality, inclusion of modified distillers grains plus solubles (MDGS), and presence or absence of monensin on performance, methane concentration, and rumen fermentation characteristics. Performance was improved by use of high-quality forage and MDGS, while response to monensin was variable across basal diet type. Response of methane concentration and volatile fatty acid (VFA) profile due to diet was variable and subject to multiple interactions, reflecting the complexity of the microbial processes involved within the rumen.