Rumen Function Enhancements

lonophores, Buffers, Probiotics, etc.

Abstract

For years, ruminant nutritionists have utilized the rumen vat for one of its unique attributes - its ability to convert non-useable products into products of the nutritional value that enhances the growth of beef cattle, sheep and dairy cattle. Examples of this have been the utilization of fiber that is non-useable by humans or other non-ruminants. In addition, we have learned how the rumen converts urea to a useable form of dietary protein.

In recent years the focus of ruminant research has shifted to the microbial population, and how altering microbial populations may fine-tune the nutritional diets utilized. Let's address three of these that currently are used: Ionophores, buffers and probiotics.