The objective of this research was to study the effects of enramycin and sodium monensin administration on dry matter intake, ruminal fermentation and alimentary behavior in bovine. Twelve non-pregnant and non-lactating cows (675 kg ± 63 of BW) were randomly assigned to three treatments: control group, enramycin treated group or monensin treated group. Animals received a diet containing 60% of concentrates (corn, soybean meal and minerals) and 40% of forage (sugarcane). Treatments were 20 mg/animal/day of enramycin and 300 mg/animal/day of monensin. Trial lasted 21 days, and at the 21st was used for ruminal fluid sampling at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 hours after 1st meal. Monensin increased total VFA concentration 12 h after feeding in relation to others treatments and decreased the acetic:propionic ratio at times 0 and 6 h, in relation to enramycin, but not when compared to control. The two ionophores tested did not influence the molar proportion of acetic, propionic or butyric acids, pH, ammoniacal-N concentration, or DM intake and intake behavior, evaluated during activities of feeding, rumination and idleness.
intake; ionophores; non-ionophores; ruminants; volatile fatty acids
