Effects of Humic/fulvic Acid on Rumen Fermentation in Holstein Steers

Six ruminally fistulated steers (average BW 317 kg) were used in a 5 X 5 + 1 Latin Square design to determine effects of humic/fulvic acid (HFA) on serum urea nitrogen (SUN), rumen pH, rumen ammonia nitrogen (RAN), and rumen VFA production in Holstein steers. Treatments included a control (0%), 0.5, 1.0 or 1.5% HFA, and a diet containing monensin (33 mg/kg). A quadratic feed intake response was observed; with intake lowest for 0.5 and 1.0 and highest for 1.5 relative to control steers. No treatment x time interaction was observed for RAN, pH, SUN, total VFA or individual VFA. No treatment differences were observed for total VFA concentrations (mM), or for molar proportion of acetate, propionate, butyrate or valerate. A quadratic response was observed for butyrate and isovalerate. However, HFA does not alter rumen fermentation in the same mode of action as monensin.