Supplemental Potassium in Feedlot Rations: Influence of Source and Level on Animal Performance, Digestibility, and Ionophore Action

Abstract

The work represented in this publication was performed with one major goal in mind--that the results and knowledge obtained herein would be applicable and beneficial to the cattle feeding industry. From this perspective, the objective was met. Scientifically, this research may have raised as many questions as it addressed. Reviewing the past 2 1/2 years of work, there are several changes I would make 1n the design of the experiments. Conducting the performance trial in the warm season months may have offered some insight into the issue of heat stress and potassium needs. Monitorin& water intake might have provided more information on water turnover, rumen volumes, and the effect of potassium level. In the last trial, stalling animals in pens, rather than the metabolism crates, might have allowed for greater feed intakes, which would more closely parallel feedlot conditions.