Replacing sodium bicarbonate with half amount of calcareous marine algae in the diet of beef cattle

Carlo Angelo Sgoifo Rossi,Gianluca Baldi,Federico Righi,Marica Simoni,Afro Quarantelli,Stephen J Taylor,Riccardo Compiani

doi:10.1590/rbz4820180129

Carlo Angelo Sgoifo Rossi, Gianluca Baldi + Show 5 more

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https://doi.org/10.1590/rbz4820180129

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Abstract

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the effects of feeding calcareous marine algae or sodium bicarbonate as rumen buffer on the performance, behaviour, in vitro diet digestibility, and meat quality of beef cattle. A total of 180 Charolaise bullocks (536±38 kg; 14±1 months of age) were divided into two homogeneous groups and fed a diet with a mineral mix containing 40% sodium bicarbonate or 20% calcareous marine algae (CMA) for the entire fattening period (130 days). Of the in vivo and in vitro parameters evaluated, CMA supplementation improved average daily gain and feed conversion ratio and reduced the prevalence of bloat and lameness. Bullocks fed CMA tended to exhibit a calmer behaviour while in the pen. Supplementation with CMA improved rumen pH and in vitro digestion. Meat from bullocks fed CMA showed a lower pH and higher lightness and tenderness. The results suggest that CMA is more effective than sodium bicarbonate in buffering beef cattle, with a positive impact on growth performance, feed efficiency, health, and meat quality.

Highlights

Acute and subacute rumen acidosis frequently affect intensively reared beef cattle, which are fed high-energy diets rich in highly fermentable carbohydrates
This study evaluated the effects of feeding calcareous marine algae or sodium bicarbonate as rumen buffer on the performance, behaviour, in vitro diet digestibility, and meat quality of beef cattle
The results suggest that calcareous marine algae (CMA) is more effective than sodium bicarbonate in buffering beef cattle, with a positive impact on growth performance, feed efficiency, health, and meat quality

Summary

Introduction

Acute and subacute rumen acidosis frequently affect intensively reared beef cattle, which are fed high-energy diets rich in highly fermentable carbohydrates. Sodium bicarbonate (BIC) is commonly supplemented to buffer rumen pH, its buffering activity is reduced in condition of low rumen pH (5.5-5.8), as it has a pKa of 6.25 (Russell, 1998). BIC rapidly solubilizes into rumen fluid, with a fast but not long-lasting buffering activity. A high amount is required to buffer the rumen pH of cattle fed high-energy diets (0.7-1% of DM) (Krause, 2008). Giving a high amount of BIC in diets rich in phosphorous as those offered to beef cattle can increase urine pH above 6.8, increasing the risk of developing urolithiasis

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