Ammonium Chloride and Ammonium Sulfate in Cattle Feedlot Finishing Rations

T WO levels of ammonium chloride or of ammonium sulfate were added to the rations of commercial feeder cattle. The rations were made isonitrogenous, essentially isocaloric and to contain the same level of calcium, phosphorus and salt. Total gains were essentially the same for all lots, varying only 15.6 lb (7.1 kg) over a 112 day feeding period. Feed conversion was increased only on the ration containing the higher level of ammonium chloride. The cost of gain was approximately $3.77 less per head for this group, compared to the next least expensive group. Carcass grade was increased in all but the low level ammonium sulfate lot. A 50% increase in the incidence of condemned livers due to liver abscess was observed in the cattle fed the higher level of ammonium sulfate. The addition of ammonium chloride had little, if any, effect upon the incidence of condemned livers. Both ammonium chloride and ammonium sulfate apparently may be used as sources of NPN without clinical signs of ammonia toxicity when added up to I% of the total ration, which is in excess of the presently permitted level of ammonium chloride in the feed. On the basis of feed conversion, cost of gain, and incidence of condemned livers, the higher level of ammonium chloride seemed preferable.