Influence of grain processing on acid-base balance in feedlot steers.
Grain processing (e.g. grinding, steaming, pelleting, flaking) has been reported to modify the incidence of ruminal disturbances in feedlot cattle. This study investigated the effects of two grain processing methods widely used in Spanish feedlots (grinding and pelleting) on animal performance, blood acid-base balance, blood electrolyte levels and serum lactate in a 140-day feedlot experiment with double-muscled Belgian Blue steers. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the way in which these two feeds modify blood acid-base balance, which is closely associated with ruminal pH. In light of our results we conclude that the animals that received the pelleted feed showed a more stable acid-base balance over time than those fed a ground feed. Nevertheless, higher levels of L-lactate and lower base excess (BE) and HCO(3)(-) values for cattle fed pelleted grain reflect a greater risk of grain-acid overload.
Castillo
C
C
Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria de Lugo, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain. ccasti@lugo.usc.es
Hernández
J
J
Méndez
J
J
Llena
J
J
Pereira
V
V
López-Alonso
M
M
Benedito
J L
JL
D000136:Acid-Base Equilibrium / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis / Q000662:veterinary; D001784:Blood Gas Analysis / Q000662:veterinary; D002417:Cattle / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D002149:Energy Intake / Q000502:physiology; D005511:Food Handling / Q000379:methods*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007773:Lactates / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D010316:Particle Size; D011897:Random Allocation; D012417:Rumen / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D015430:Weight Gain
D004573:Electrolytes; D007773:Lactates