Optimising rumen modifier use for feedlot performance and carcase attributes
Daily rotation of ionophores did not result in improved feedlot cattle performance under Australian feedlot conditions.
| Project start date: | 01 April 2018 |
| Project end date: | 01 April 2021 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Grass-fed Cattle |
| Relevant regions: | National, Cold wet, Dry, Mediterranean, Sub-tropical sub-humid, Temperate, Temperate sub-humid |
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Summary
Inclusion of fermentation modifiers (ionophores) in the diets of feedlot cattle is standard industry practice to increase feed use efficiency and reduce risk of ruminal acidosis. With few new rumen modifiers reaching market, there is an imperative to identify strategies to maximise the performance response to existing modifiers. A series of studies was undertaken to investigate the response to providing Monensin in combination or in daily rotation with alternate rumen modifiers.
Objectives
1. Determine the effect of monensin in combination or rotation with lasalocid and
flavophospholipol on rumen fermentation
2. Determine the effect of monensin in combination or rotation with lasalocid and
flavophospholipol on feedlot performance and carcase characteristics
3. Determine the effect of monensin in combination or rotation with lasalocid and
flavophospholipol on the rumen microbiome
Key findings
Small differences in rumen fermentation attributes were observed between cattle supplemented with Monensin alone or Monensin with Lasalocid or Bambermycin in combination or in daily rotation. There were no effects of rumen modifier treatment on bacterial Genera in the rumen that exceeded 2% of the biome. A feedlot study with 450 head then evaluated performance of cattle supplemented with Monensin alone, Lasalocid alone or with Monensin and Lasalocid in daily rotation. Monensin cattle had a faster average daily gain for the first 83 days on-feed (2.57 kg/d) and the lowest Feed:Gain ratio (4.40 kg/kg) over the entire 109 days on feed. Modifier treatment did not affect daily dry matter intake, carcass weight or any measured aspect of the carcass. Daily rotation of Monensin and Lasalocid is not recommended for feedlots with leading rates of cattle growth and feed-use efficiency, as it offers no advantage over supplementing with Monensin alone.
Benefits to industry
This research has proven that daily rotation of monensin and lasalocid did not result in improved feedlot cattle performance under Australian conditions.
MLA action
Results have been shared with the ALFA Smart Beef Feedlot conference in October, 2019.
Future research
No future research is planned in daily rotation of ionophores.
More information
| Project manager: | Joe McMeniman |
| Contact email: | reports@mla.com.au |
