|
Title:
|
High salt inclusion reduces concentrate intake without major effects on renal function in young bulls
|
|
Author:
|
Álvarez Rodríguez, Javier; Villalba Mata, Daniel; Sanz Pascua, Albina; Casasús Pueyo, Isabel; Blanco Alibés, Mireia
|
|
Notes:
|
Beef producers prefer to feed concentrates on an ad libitum basis to increase the flexibility of their work. Including salt, which is a self-limiting
supplement, could control or reduce concentrate intake without increasing the workforce. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of including 10%NaCl in the concentrate on intake, growth, blood ions (sodium, potassium and chlorine), renal function (through creatinine and urea concentrations in blood), and daytime behaviour of bulls over 6 weeks. Bulls consuming the control concentrate (Control
bulls) had greater weight gain (P<0.05) and concentrate intake (P<0.001) than those consuming the concentrate with 10%NaCl
(10%NaCl bulls). Lower plasma sodium concentration was found in Control bulls after 6 weeks (P<0.05), while potassium concentration was
lower after 4 (P<0.05) and 6 weeks (P<0.01). Blood urea did not differ between the groups, and creatinine only differed at week 4 (P<0.01).
Control bulls spent less time eating hay (P<0.001) and more time idling (P<0.01) during daylight hours. In conclusion, the inclusion of 10%NaCl in the concentrate for short periods could be used to reduce concentrate intake without major effects on renal function; however, a concomitant decrease in weight gain should be expected. |
|
Rights:
|
cc-by-nc (c) Blanco Alibes, Mireia et al., 2014
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/es/
|
|
Document type:
|
article
publishedVersion |
|
Published by:
|
PAGEpress
|
|
Share:
|
|
