High levels of sodium chloride in supplements for growing cattle

Two trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of high levels of sodium chloride in energy and (or) protein supplements on performance and digestive and metabolic parameters of growing beef cattle. In each trial, 24 Hereford steers averaging 196 kg initial weight were individually fed corn silage or fescue hay plus an energy and (or) protein supplement containing NaCl. Consumption of the low (LS) and high (HS) levels of NaCl was 22–23 g d −1 and 192–193 g d −1 , respectively. In Trial 1 the high NaCl supplement tended to reduce gains and feed efficiency of steers fed silage whereas gains were similar for those fed low and high NaCl and fescue hay. In Trial 2, gains and feed efficiencies were similar for both NaCl treatments. Rumen fluid total volatile fatty acid concentrations were lower (P