Effects of mineral supplementation on growing cattle and in vitro fermentation by ruminal microbes

Master of ScienceDepartment of Animal Sciences and IndustryJames S. DrouillardThree studies were conducted to assess effects of mineral supplementation on growing cattle performance, mineral status, and in vitro fermentation. Exp. 1 was a 3-part study that measured effects of Cu source and concentration on in vitro fermentation by mixed ruminal microbes. An initial in vitro experiment was performed to identify a Cu concentration (0, 100, 200, 300, 400, or 500 mg Cu/kg substrate DM) that would yield a 50% decrease in gas production. This concentration (100 mg Cu/kg substrate) was then used to evaluate varying Cu sources in the 3rd part of Exp.1. Titration of Cu (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 mg Cu/kg DM substrate) linearly decreased (P 0.10). Average daily gain was greatest for M (P = 0.03), and not different between S and B (P = 0.98). Liver Cu concentrations were different among treatments (P 0.01); however, addition of molasses blocks increased fermentation to a greater extent than dry mineral alone (P < 0.01). Increasing trace mineral concentration decreased fermentation linearly (P < 0.01). In conclusion, excesses of trace elements can adversely affect fermentation by ruminal microbes. Mineral status in growing cattle was reflective of mineral intake; however, block supplements may be a method to control mineral intake to minimize overconsumption