Hops Βeta-Acid Extract Yields Feedlot Performance Similar to Rumensin

Authors

J. E. Axman, Kansas State UniversityFollow
C. L. Van Bibber, Kansas State UniversityFollow
C. Alvarado, Kansas State UniversityFollow
J. Thieszen, Kansas State UniversityFollow
J. S. Drouillard, Kansas State UniversityFollow

Keywords

hops, beta acid, ruminal ammonia, ionophore

Abstract

Hops (Humulus lupulus) have played an integral role in beer manufacturing and are widely known for their antimicrobial and preservative properties. α-acids of hops are extracted and utilized to enhance beer flavor, leaving residues largely composed of β-acids. Beta-acid extracts of hops are structurally similar to ionophores and may express ionophore-like traits. Ionophores, including Rumensin (Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN), are used to improve feed efficiency and to decrease the incidence of digestive disturbances in feedlot cattle. A large portion of in vitro studies show benefits from feeding hops or hop acids with results similar to ionophores; however, live animal experiments are needed to confirm these observations. The objectives of this study were to assess the effects of β-acid extracts of hops on feedlot performance in cattle fed high-concentrate diets and determine a response to varied doses of β-acid extracts of hops.

Recommended Citation

Axman, J. E.; Van Bibber, C. L.; Alvarado, C.; Thieszen, J.; and Drouillard, J. S. (2015) "Hops Βeta-Acid Extract Yields Feedlot Performance Similar to Rumensin," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 1: Iss. 1. https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.1026