Effects of level of dietary sulfur on the growth performance and blood mineral profile of sheep fed urea-supplemented corn silage.
Several blood constituents were measured in whether receiving a basal diet of corn silage, urea and a mineral-vitamin supplement to which various levels of sulfur (S) were added. The amounts of S in the total diets were: .16, .26, .38, .47 and .57% of dry matter. After a six-month experimental period, the levels of copper and iron in the plasma and of urea and manganese in the blood had been effected, lower levels being associated with higher levels of dietary S. Plasma zinc and magnesium levels showed a quadratic response to dietary S levels. However , plasma calcium levels and blood selenium levels were not significantly affected. Plasma sulfate-S content was higher in those animals receiving higher levels of S in the diet. The quantity of S ingested did not significantly affect voluntary feed intake, growth rate, or diet digestibility; however, nitrogen retention was lowered. The higher dietary S levels resulted in higher urinary excretion of the element, while fecal S remained unchanged.
D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D000818:Animals; D003300:Copper / Q000097:blood; D007501:Iron / Q000097:blood; D008274:Magnesium / Q000097:blood; D008345:Manganese / Q000097:blood; D008903:Minerals / Q000097:blood*; D012756:Sheep / Q000097:blood*; D013431:Sulfates / Q000097:blood; D013455:Sulfur / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014508:Urea / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003313:Zea mays; D015032:Zinc / Q000097:blood
D008903:Minerals; D013431:Sulfates; D008345:Manganese; D013455:Sulfur; D003300:Copper; D014508:Urea; D007501:Iron; D008274:Magnesium; D015032:Zinc