report

Effect of sodium bicarbonate and sodium bentonite on digestion and ruminal fermentation of forage sorghum silage-based rations fed to growing steers

Authors

• • K. Jacques
• • D. Axe
• • T. Harris
• • D. Harmon
• • K. Bolsen

Abstract

One percent sodium bicarbonate increased intake of a 50% silage-50% grain ration, but had no effect on intake of an 84% sorghum silage ration. Adding concentrate (rolled sorghum grain) lowered rumen pH slightly and decreased acid detergent fiber and starch digestion. The bicarbonate had no effect on digestibility, but 2% bentonite lowered digestibility of neutral and acid detergent fiber. Neither compound affected ruminal fermentation characteristics.

Keywords: Cattlemen's Day, 1986, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station contribution, no. 86-320-S, Report of progress (Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service), 494, Beef, Sodium bicarbonate, Sodium bentonite, Digestion, Ruminal fermentation, Sorghum silage

How to Cite: Jacques, K. , Axe, D. , Harris, T. , Harmon, D. & Bolsen, K. (1986) “Effect of sodium bicarbonate and sodium bentonite on digestion and ruminal fermentation of forage sorghum silage-based rations fed to growing steers”, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports. 1(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.2446