Effect of Soybean Meal, Raw Soybeans, Corn Gluten Feed, and Urea on the Concentration of Rumen Fluid Components at Intervals After Feeding

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Trials utilizing 3 fistulated steers, in 2 Latin-square designed experiments, were conducted with 5 rations equal in digestible protein and containing cottonseed hulls, plus one of the following protein supplements: soybean meal, raw soybeans, corn gluten feed, urea, or urea + soybean meal. In the 1st experiment, soybean meal, raw soybeans, and corn gluten feed were fed. The corn gluten feed ration was associated with the highest concentrations of total N and protein N in the rumen fluid; the ration of raw soybeans was associated with the lowest concentrations; and the soybean meal ration with intermediate concentrations. Concentrations of ammonia-N were highest with soybean meal and the lowest with raw soybeans. Total volatile fatty acids (VFA) were similar for soybean meal and corn gluten feed. Soybean meal, urea, and urea + soybean meal were fed in the 2nd experiment. The soybean meal ration was associated with the highest concentrations of total N and protein N; the urea ration with the lowest concentrations; and the urea + soybean meal ration with intermediate concentrations. Concentrations of ammonia-N were highest with urea and lowest with soybean meal. The urea ration was associated with a significantly lower (P< 0.01) total VFA concentration and more alkaline pH.