EFFECT OF SODIUM BICARBONATE ALL-CONCENTRATE RATIONS FED TO HOLSTEIN STEERS

Abstract

Forty Holstein steers, initially weighing 385 kg, were individually fed ground ear corn based on rations containing 0, 0.75, 1.50 or 2.25% NaHCO3. Initial intake of rations containing 1.5 and 2.25% NaHCO3 was low. No differences (P > 0.05) were detected over the 84-day trial in ADG, feed intake or feed conversion. Rumen pH was not affected but ruminal fluid from steers receiving 1.5 and 2.25% NaHCO3 had significantly (P < 0.05) higher percent acetic, lower percent propionic and a higher A/P ration. NaHCO3 did not improve feedlot performance when added to ground ear corn diets full-fed to finishing Holstein steers.