Toxicity of Fermented Ammoniated Condensed Whey, Ammonium Lactate, Ammonium Acetate and Urea to Feedlot Steers

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Abstract
The toxicity of fermented ammoniated condensed whey (FACW), ammonium lactate (AL), ammonium acetate (AA), and urea was examined in four Holstein steers consuming 50% corn silage-50% concentrate rations. Intraruminal infusion of FACW at 400 mg N/kg body weight (BW) resulted in acute toxicity as evidenced by muscle tremors, incoordination and collapse of two of the four steers. Infusion of AL at 400 mg N/kg BW resulted in similar symptoms of acute ammonia toxicity in three of four steers. Infusion of FACW or AL at 300 mg N/kg BW did not result in acute toxicity. When AA was infused at 300 and 400 mg N/kg BW, acute toxicity was observed in one and two steers, respectively. When FACW, AL or AA were infused at 200 mg N/kg BW, none of the animals showed symptoms of acute toxicity. In contrast, two of the steers infused with urea at 200 mg N/kg BW exhibited symptoms of acute toxicity. FACW and ammonium salts did not elevate rumen pH, whereas urea infusion significantly elevated rumen pH levels. At 30 min after infusion, steers given FACW, AA, or AL had lower (P<.05) plasma ammonia levels than urea-infused steers. FACW can be used as supplemental nitrogen for feedlot cattle with little chance of causing ammonia toxicity, even when fed at two to three times the level of nitrogen normally consumed in a daily ration. Copyright © 1977. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1977 by American Society of Animal Science.