A novel approach to improve gastrointestinal tract function in ruminants

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Promoting gastrointestinal health is an important strategy to improve the efficiency for livestock production. Recently, it has been recognized that nutrients can elicit a greater response than expected based on nutrient supply alone. In many cases, it is suggested that such functional nutrients may change microbial community structure in the gastrointestinal tract and may alter or simply support gastrointestinal tract function. Gluconic acid has been reported to have beneficial effects on the gastrointestinal tract in monogastrics and, when protected from degradation in the rumen, Ca-gluconate has been demonstrated to induce positive responses in dairy cattle. However, the mechanisms involved have not been determined. The studies within this project aim to determine the mechanisms involved for an improved response and to evaluate whether rumen protected Ca-gluconate will yield beneficial results for feedlot animals.