Fate of calcium crystals in alfalfa fed to cattle

Date

2011-02-18

Authors

Harbers, L.H.
Ward, G.M.

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station

Abstract

Calcium crystals were located in parallel rows surrounding vascular bundles in alfalfa leaves and under the epidermis of alfalfa stems. The crystals remain intact on vascular bundles in the rumen. Most crystals are dislodged in fecal matter, and free crystals can be recovered. These data support previous work here showing that calcium from alfalfa may be less available to ruminants than previously thought.

Description

Cattlemen's Fate in '78 is known as Cattlemen’s Day, 1978

Keywords

Beef, Calcium crystals, Alfalfa

Citation