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Effects of Ingested Soil on Ration Utilization by Dairy Cows¹

Comparative Animal Research Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
and Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville 37916

ABSTRACT

Six nonpregnant, nonlactating Holstein cows were fed 3.6 kg concentrate, hay ad libitum, and 0, 450, or 900 g red clay subsoil daily in two 3x3 Latin squares. Effects of added soil on apparent digestibility were increases of 20 and 19% for ether extract, decreases of 5 and 9% for dry matter and 2 and 6% for protein, and no effect for organic matter, crude fiber, nitrogen-free extract, and combustible energy. Apparent absorption of potassium was reduced 12 and 25% by increasing soil intake, but absorptions of magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus were not altered. These results indicate that amounts of soil which are likely to be consumed under normal and sparse grazing would not have an important effect on utilization of most major dietary nutrients.

¹ Research at the Comparative Animal Research Laboratory operated by the University of Tennessee for the U.S. Energy Research and Development Administration under Contract No. EY-76-C-05-0242. Supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the University of Tennessee Agricultural Experiment Station.

² Syntex Agri Business, Inc., Springfield, MO 65805.