Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine and compare, seasonally, across two consecutive years the chemical composition, intake, ruminal fermentation and plasma concentrations of glucose (G), urea-N (UN), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and insulin in grazing steers. Data were analysed as repeated measures within a split plot design. The crude protein (CP), metabolisable protein (MP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and metabolisable energy (ME) were different within years and seasons (P<0.05). The values for organic matter intake (OMI), CP intake (CPI) and metabolisable protein intake (MPI) were greater in wet season (P<0.01). The pH values were not affected by years and seasons (P > 0.05). Ruminal ammonia (NH3–N) and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations were lower during dry season than during wet season (P < 0.05). The plasma concentrations of G, UN, and insulin were higher in the wet season (P<0.05); however, the NEFA concentrations were higher in the dry season (P<0.05). The variables corresponding to chemical composition, intake, ruminal fermentation and concentrations of metabolites and hormones were affected over time by the years and seasons.
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