HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Rindsig, R. B. Articles by Schultz, L. H. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Rindsig, R. B. Articles by Schultz, L. H.

Effect of Bentonite on Nitrogen and Mineral Balances and Ration Digestibility of High-Grain Rations Fed to Lactating Dairy Cows¹

Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706

ABSTRACT

A digestion trial was conducted with lactating Holstein cows fed the following rations: I) a high-grain, fat-depressing ration; II) fat-depressing ration + 5% sodium bentonite; and III) fat-depressing ration + 10% sodium bentonite.

The mean adjusted dry matter digestibilities of I) 78.7%, II) 80.8%, and III) 76.5% were not significantly different. A nonsignificant increase in nitrogen retention with a significant decrease in crude protein digestibility was noted with both of the bentonite treatments. The mean protein digestibilities (%) and daily nitrogen retention (g/day) for the treatments were: I) 79.9 and 37.2; II) 75.4 and 75.9; and III) 68.8 and 53.0, respectively. Energy digestibility decreased significantly. Mean digestible energy (%) for Treatments I, II, and III were 78.4, 71.8, and 69.1. Calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium balances (g/day) were as follows: I) 31.6, 33.0, 8.2; II) 9.5, 9.4, 2.1; and III) 3.1, -3.4, 1.5. Differences between I versus II and III as well as II versus III in phosphorus balance were statistically significant.

¹ Published with the approval of the Director of the Wisconsin Agricultural Experiment Station.