Total tract nutrient digestion of steers consuming diets containing ammonium polyacrylate

One of the potential factors that may limit the ruminant animal’s ability to digest fiber is the reduced retention and subsequent passage of cellulolytic microorganisms from the rumen. Bacterial passage may be decreased by an inert support. Ammonium polyacrylate is a hygroscopic organic polymer that is non-toxic to animals and environmentally degradable. A digestibility trial was conducted with six Holstein steers cannulated at ruminal, duodenal and ileal sites to determine if an ammonium polyacrylate gel (GEL: 20 g ammonium polyacrylate hydrated in 2 l tap water containing 20 g glucose animal−1 day −1) would increase total tract nutrient digestion. Intake and digestion of organic matter were not affected (p>0.10) by GEL but NDF digestibility was decreased (p<0.06) when GEL was consumed. Although GEL appeared to be present in the rumen samples, higher concentrations may be needed to elicit a detectable in vivo response.