Abstract
Calcium (Ca) propionate can be added to ruminant diets as a glucogenic substrate. However, due to its hypophagic effect, it is necessary to establish the optimal dose that can be used to replace grains in finishing diets for lambs. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the effect of four concentrations of Ca propionate in lamb diets on productive performance and rumen fermentation. Thirty two Hampshire x Suffolk lambs (23.82 ± 0.40 kg initial body weight), distributed in a completely randomized design, were given a diet with four concentrations of Ca propionate (g kg−1): 0, 10, 20 or 30 g, for 42 days. The results were tested for linear or quadratic responses. The final weight, average daily gain and feed: gain ratio showed quadratic responses (P ≤ 0.01). The optimal dose was established at 13.77 g kg−1 DM. Addition of Ca propionate did not affect variables related to rumen fermentation (pH, total volatile fatty acids, acetate, butyrate or rumen ammonia-N; P ≥ 0.05) . Nonetheless, glucose and propionate concentrations showed a quadratic response (P ≤ 0.05). The highest concentrations of propionate in rumen were observed with 15.14 g kg−1 DM. Results indicate that Ca propionate can be included in a dose of up to 13.77 g kg−1 DM in feedlot rations, to attain best lamb performance.
Highlights
Due to a constant increase in grain prices and to competition with sectors such as biofuel production or use for human consumption, it is necessary to find alternatives to partially replace the employ of grains in finishing animal rations
Ca propionate has been used as an energy substrate in lamb diets in a dose of up to 20 g kg−1 DM without adverse effects on productive variables or rumen fermentation.[1, 2]
Average daily gain measurements in this study showed that the energy value of Ca propionate is not constant and that it has a curvilinear nature similar to that observed in cows by Rigout et al.[9]
Summary
Due to a constant increase in grain prices and to competition with sectors such as biofuel production or use for human consumption, it is necessary to find alternatives to partially replace the employ of grains in finishing animal rations. Calcium (Ca) propionate is mainly used as a preservative for animal feeds. Ca propionate has been used as an energy substrate in lamb diets in a dose of up to 20 g kg−1 DM without adverse effects on productive variables or rumen fermentation.[1, 2] its use in steers improved rumen fermentation and feed digestibility,[8] which could be a further benefit for its use as a nutrient for animal growth. In previous studies with feedlot lamb diets[1, 2] researchers have discussed the difference between expected and observed gain in relation to the energetic value of Ca propionate
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