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Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports
1994; Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station contribution; no. 94-373-S; Report of progress (Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service); 704; Beef; Alfalfa; Subacute acidosis; Finishing cattle
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Effects Of Alfalfa Form And Level On Subacute Acidosis, B.J. Healy, Robert T. Brandt Jr., S.M. Gramlich
Effects Of Alfalfa Form And Level On Subacute Acidosis, B.J. Healy, Robert T. Brandt Jr., S.M. Gramlich
Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports
Eight ruminally cannulated crossbred steers (1225 lb) were used to investigate the effects of 5 vs 10% alfalfa hay or pellets on rumen characteristics during subacute acidosis. Alfalfa hay was obtained from one source, and alternate bales were either chopped (3- to 4-inch length) or ground and pelleted (3/8-inch pellet). Intake during the recovery period after feed challenges tended (P=.12) to be greater for diets containing 10% alfalfa. Duration of rumen pH below 5.5 was less for diets with chopped vs pelleted (P<.10) or 10 vs 5% (P<.05) alfalfa. Total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations during the challenge ph ase and for the overall experimental period were increased (P<.05) when steers were fed 5 vs 10% alfalfa diets but were similar during the baseline and recovery periods. The higher pH and lower VFA concentration resulting from feeding 10% alfalfa diets suggest that steers fed a moderate amount of roughage can withstand greater fluctuations in intake without developing acidosis.