Response of growing steers to monensin sodium supplementation and implantation with trenbolone acetate and hexoestrol

Abstract

Current means of improving the efficiency of beef production in the United Kingdom include the use of hormonal anabolic compounds and the feed additive monensin sodium (monensin, ‘Romensin’, Elanco). Results from studies conducted mainly in the United States have shown that monensin may improve food conversion efficiency (e.g. Broome, 1980) which occurs as a result of variable reductions in food intake with or without increases in growth rate. These effects have been associated with alterations in the production of volatile fatty acids and methane in the rumen. Other studies have suggested that protein metabolism may also be affected (e.g. Pendlum, Boling & Bradley, 1980).