Effect of sodium bicarbonate and sodium bentonite on digestion and rumen fermentation characteristics of forage sorghum silage-based diets fed to growing steers

Authors

K.A. Jacques
D.E. Axe
T.R. Harris
D.L. Harmon

Keywords

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station contribution; no. 86-94-S; Report of progress (Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station); 484; Dairy; Sodium bicarbonate; Sodium bentonite; Digestion; Fermentation; Steers; Sorghum silage

Abstract

One percent sodium bicarbonate (NaHCo3) increased intake of a 50% silage - 50% grain diet, but had no effect on intake of a full-feed sorghum silage diet. The addition of concentrate (rolled milo) slightly lowered rumen pH and decreased acid detergent fiber (ADF) and starch digestion. NaHC03 had no effect on digestibility, but 2% bentonite lowered digestibility of NDF and ADF. Neither compound affected rumen fermentation characteristics.; Dairy Day, 1985, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 1985;

Recommended Citation

Jacques, K.A.; Axe, D.E.; Harris, T.R.; and Harmon, D.L. (1985) "Effect of sodium bicarbonate and sodium bentonite on digestion and rumen fermentation characteristics of forage sorghum silage-based diets fed to growing steers," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 0: Iss. 2. https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.3085