Abstract

The effect of supplements containing various proportions of degradable intake protein (DIP) and starch on ruminal digestion characteristics of forage-fed beef steers was evaluated. Fluid passage rates, ruminal ammonia (N H), 3 and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations increased as the amount of supplemental DIP increased. Starch infused at .3% of BW increased molar proportion s of propionate and butyrate and decreased acetate, compared to feeding DIP alone. However, proportions of branched-chain VFA increased with DIP at all levels of starch infusion. Total digestible organic matter intake (TDOMI) was increased with each addition of DIP; however, infusing starch within a DIP level decreased TDOMI. Providing supplemental DIP is more important for improving the use of low-quality, tallgrass-prairie hay than is ruminally available starch.

Keywords: Cattlemen's Day, 1997, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station contribution, no. 97-309-S, Report of progress (Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service), 783, Beef, Beef steers, Protein, Starch, Supplements, Ruminal fermentation

How to Cite:

Cochran, R., Vanzant, E., Olson, K. C., Jones, T. J. & Titgemeyer, E. C., (1997) “Effects of various supplemental starch and protein levels on ruminal fermentation and liquid passage of beef steers fed tallgrass-prairie hay”, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports 1(1), 53-55. doi: https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.1936