The Addition of Buffers to Ruminant Rations: I. Effect on Weight Gains, Efficiency of Gains and Consumption of Rations With and Without Roughage

A total of sixty-eight beef steers were used in three feeding trials to determine the effects of adding buffers to ruminant rations. The buffers used in these trials were sodium propionate and mixtures of sodium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate and calcium carbonate (as ground limestone). They were fed at levels varying from 2 to 9 pounds per 100 pounds of the concentrate ration. Data on feed consumption, weight gains and efficiency of feed conversion are presented.The addition of buffers to a ration containing timothy hay fed ad libitum did not prove beneficial. Buffers at the highest level (9 pounds per 100 pounds) were detrimental in the hay-concentrate ration. When the hay was removed from the ration there were highly significant decreases in weight gains and T.D.N. consumption. These decreases were partially offset by the addition of buffers to the all-concentrate rations. The results may have a practical application in the feeding of low-roughage rations.