Physiological effects of 1,3-butanediol fed to cattle.
In four trials with growing cattle we observed effects of 1,3-butanediol on rumen fermentation end products, blood components, growth rates, feed efficiency, and body composition. Diets A and C contained 80% grain: 20% alfalfa pellets and 40% grain: 60% alfalfa pellets; in diets B and D, 1,3-butanediol replaced 4% of diets A and C. Feeding 4% 1,3-butanediol caused no significant differences in rumen pH, volatile fatty acid ratios, blood glucose, or blood ketones. Cattle fed 4% 1,3-butanediol had rates of gain and feed efficiency equivalent to and often better than cattle fed the same diet without butanediol. Body composition was not affected by feeding 4% 1,3-butanediol. Results indicate 4% 1,3-butanediol can be fed to cattle without adverse physiological effects and may improve performance. When 6% or more 1,3-butanediol was fed, blood ketones were elevated considerably, animals were hyperactive, gained less weight, and feed efficiency was lower.
D000090:Acetoacetates / Q000378:metabolism; D000096:Acetone / Q000378:metabolism; D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D001835:Body Weight; D002417:Cattle / Q000378:metabolism*; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005232:Fatty Acids, Volatile / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005285:Fermentation; D006018:Glycols / Q000378:metabolism*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D006885:Hydroxybutyrates / Q000378:metabolism; D000455:Medicago sativa; D012417:Rumen / Q000378:metabolism; D012820:Silage; D003313:Zea mays
D000090:Acetoacetates; D001786:Blood Glucose; D005232:Fatty Acids, Volatile; D006018:Glycols; D006885:Hydroxybutyrates; D000096:Acetone