PSIX-8 Supplementing a Natural Citrus Flavonoid Extract (Bioflavex) to Finishing Cattle

Abstract Finishing cattle are exposed to diets with high amounts of starch and consequently hindgut acidosis. Usually, antibiotics like ionophores used control dysbiosis at gut level. However, natural options being evaluated as healthy alternatives. Flavonoids well known antibacterial agent, an interesting alternative antibiotics. The aim this experiment was evaluate the performance finishing steers supplemented monensin compared citrus flavonoid extract (Bioflavex). Steers (n = 48; 214.3 kg live weight; LW) were assigned two treatments: Monensin (MON; 30 g/tn DM) flavonoids (FLAV; Bioflavex, Spain; 400 DM). Animals allocated in 6 groups (3 pens/treatment; 8 animals/pen). Pen considered experimental unit. Transition diet offered from d 1 21 (CP 18% , 40.6%) whilst 86; 10.6%, 47.8%). LW registered 0, 86 d. DMI estimated by difference between refusals. Ruminal feces pH recorded (rumen liquor samples obtained ruminocentesis). Data analyzed proc mixed (treatment time fixed effects; pen random). Differences stated when P< 0.05. Only different treatments, FLAV greater than MON (6.68 kg/d vs 6.45 for respectively; 0.05). No differences found terms daily gain (1.355 1.294 P >0.05), final weight (FLAV 331.6 324.8 kg; neither conversion (4.95 kg/kg 4.98 >0.05). Rumen did not differ across treatments (P According our results, a showed similar comparing monensin, potential