Effect of Monensin capsules on blood metabolites near calving in twin-
pregnant and single-pregnant beef cows
W.H. McMillan, A.P. Oakley, W. Hewitt
Dairy and Beef Division, AgResearch Ruakura, Private Bag 3123,
Hamilton, New Zealand
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1995,
55: 265-267
The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that Rumensin
capsules administered during late pregnancy would have equally beneficial
effects in single- and twin-pregnant beef cows, on circulating levels of beta-
hydroxy butyrate (BOH), magnesium (Mg) and glucose. Forty cows, half of
which were twin pregnant, were treated with either a single Rumensin
capsule from a mean of 66 d prior to calving, or remained as untreated
controls. Plasma samples were taken on d66, 38, 23, 13 and 5 prior to
calving. Rumensin lowered BOH concentration by the second sampling time
(0.53 vs. 0.765 mmol/l, P<0.01) and maintained this concentration until
calving. Rumensin was without effect on Mg or glucose concentrations.
The effects of Rumensin were additive to those of pregnancy status (twin vs.
single) for all three metabolites thus confirming our hypothesis. Rumensin
may therefore be useful in the late pregnancy management of twin pregnant
cows.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
beef cows; nutrition; ketone bodies; monensin; Rumensin; magnesium;
glucose; twinning cattle.
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Last Updated 25-01-1997
