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

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

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.

Recommended Citation

Jacques, K.; Axe, D.; Harris, T.; Harmon, D.; and 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: Vol. 0: Iss. 1. https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.2446