Differential effects of sodium and magnesium sulfate on water consumption by beef cattle

摘要: The existing guidelines for maximum sulfate (SO4) in cattle drinking water are based on Na2SO4, although many sources contain greater concentrations of MgSO4. Two experiments compared the effect different SO4 salts consumption and fecal DM cattle. In Exp. 1, 8 yearling heifers (initial BW = 345 +/- kg; mean SD) were watered twice daily with tapwater or containing Na2SO4 MgSO4 at target levels 1,500, 3,000, 4,500 mg SO4/L 2-d treatment periods separated by 2 d access to tapwater. 2, 16 421 24 kg) tap-water (16 SO4/L) 2,000 (low Na2SO4), MgSO4), 4,000 (high MgSO4) 21-d 7-d first 10 each period allowed adjustment treatment, final 11 was considered analysis purposes. Treatments applied an incomplete Latin square, where animal exposed 3 4 treatments. average decreased linearly as concentration increased (P 0.0001) but not 0.39). less high-MgSO4 than low-MgSO4 0.0001), tended 0.09) drink those treatment. Fecal MgSO4, even after a given time adjust treatment; such reductions may be accompanied increase DM.