Ability of an enhanced zeolite-based flow agent to mitigate the effects of ergot-like alkaloids consumed by beef cattle

Objective

Our objective was to evaluate how a particular zeolite-based flow agent affected ergot alkaloid digestion and physiological markers associated with fescue toxicosis.

Materials and Methods

Twenty-four steers (226 ± 27.6 kg) were used to test effects of enhanced zeolite-based flow agent (KALLSIL, Kemin Industries, Des Moines, IA) on ergot-like alkaloid digestion. Treatments were control (E+) or enhanced zeolite inclusion (E+Z; 2 g/kg, DM basis). Steers were limit-fed diets (1.8% of BW, DM basis) containing 465 μg of ergovaline/kg of DM. Rectal temperature and respiration rate were recorded daily at 0700 and 1200 h from steers in a room kept at 18.5°C ± 0.33°C, 32.6% ± 2.19% relative humidity. Blood was collected on d 1, 7, 14, and 21 to measure prolactin. On d 21 prolactin stores were measured following infusion of thyrotropin- releasing hormone (TRH; 1 μg/kg BW). Feces and urine were collected every 8 h from d 17 to 20, with 2-h advancement daily for digestibility, N balance, and recovery of ergot-like alkaloids.

Results and Discussion

Digestion and N balance were not affected by treatment. Zeolite did not affect fecal recovery of ergovaline. Serum prolactin declined over time. Serum prolactin was greater in steers fed E+Z. Following TRH infusion, prolactin was numerically greater for E+Z. Rectal temperatures and respiration rates were not affected by E+Z.

Implications and Applications

Under the conditions of this experiment, addition of this particular zeolite-based feed additive had minimal impact on ergot alkaloid recovery and physiological markers associated with fescue toxicosis.