Effect of a calcified-seaweed extract as rumen buffer on ruminal disappearance and fermentation in steers

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the buffering effect of a calcified-seaweed extract (CSE) and its effect on ruminal disappearance and fermentation in steers. In a crossover design, 3 Holstein steers (450±15 kg body weight) fitted with permanent rumen cannula and fed diets with 30% forage and 70% concentrate were assigned to the following treatments: control (without buffer), 1% sodium bicarbonate (SB), and 0.5% CSE. Rumen pH values of steers fed CSE were higher than control and SB. However, buffers did not affect the ruminal disappearance kinetics and fermentation in steers fed diets with 30% and 70% concentrate. Further research is needed to evaluate the CSE in ruminants fed diets with a feed grain proportion greater than 70%.