The effect of monensin supplement (33 mg/kg feed) on methane and heat productions was studied in Brahman steers offered lucerne hay in two feeding regimes: ad libitum (AL) or at the rate of 250 g/h (GPH). The monensin treated animals consumed 65 kg less feed than untreated animals in achieving a mean liveweight gain of.56 kg over 54 days of feeding AL. The 10.5% reduction in daily feed intake due to monensin was associated with a 25.6% reduction in methane production. At equalized feed intakes (adjustments made by covariance) approximately 55% of the reduction in methane caused by monensin was explained by its anorectic effect and 45% by its specific effect on rumen fermentation. In contrast, monensin slightly increased (P = 0.07) liveweight gain, but did not affect methane production in steers fed GPH. Heat production was not significantly altered by the use of monensin in either feeding regime.
CITATION STYLE
O’Kelly, J., & Spiers, W. (1992). Effect of monensin on methane and heat productions of steers fed lucerne hay either ad libitum or at the rate of 250 g/hour. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research, 43(8), 1789. https://doi.org/10.1071/ar9921789
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