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

Jacques, K.A.Axe, D.E.Harris, T.R.Harmon, D.L.Bolsen, K.K.Johnson, D.E.2012-10-042012-10-042012-10-04http://hdl.handle.net/2097/14817One 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.DairySodium bicarbonateSodium bentoniteDigestionFermentationSteersSorghum silageEffect of sodium bicarbonate and sodium bentonite on digestion and rumen fermentation characteristics of forage sorghum silage-based diets fed to growing steersConference paper