360 The Ability of an Enhanced Zeolite-Based Flow Agent to Mitigate the Effects of Ergot-Like Alkaloids Consumed by Beef Cattle

Abstract Aluminosilicate-based flow agents, like zeolites, may impact digestion of ergot-like alkaloids in the ruminant gut. Twenty-four steers (226 ± 27.6 kg) were used a 21-d experiment to test effects an enhanced zeolite-based agent (KALLSIL, Kemin Industries, Des Moines, IA) on site alkaloid excretion, serum prolactin, rectal temperature, respiration rate, and nutrient digestibility. Treatments control (E+) or zeolite inclusion (E+Z; 2 g/kg, DM basis). Steers fed TMR at 1.85% BW (DM-basis). Tall-fescue seed was included diet 11.14%, providing 465 µg ergovaline/kg DM. had no ORTS during experiment. Rectal temperature rate recorded daily 0700 1200 h from housed tie stalls room kept (18.5°C 0.33°C, 32.6% 2.19%). Serum harvested blood collected d-1, 7, 14, 21 measure prolactin. On d-21 jugular catheters placed prolactin following infusion thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH; 1 µg/kg BW). Spot samples feces urine every 8 d 17-20, with 2-hour advancement each day determine digestibility, N balance, recovery alkaloids. Digestion balance not affected by treatment (P ≥ 0.16). Enhanced tended = 0.15) increase ergovaline. Prolactin concentration decreased over time < 0.01), but greater 0.01) point for E+Z steers. Following TRH, 0.11) be E+Z. temperatures rates 0.89) Results this study indicate that increased when offered beef containing