Some mineral, nitrogen and water utilization of salt plant fed sheep as affected by monensin [electronic resource].

Includes references.

Twenty-six growing lambs were randomly selected and divided into three groups (46.5, 46.0, and 46.5 %0.94 Kg live body weight for groups 1,2, and 3, respectively). Animals were fed on previously sun-dried halophytes which were mixed in the ratio of 2±1 for Tamarix mannifera (Tarfa), Zygophyllum album (Ghullam), and Halocnemum strabulaceum (far'teer), respectively. First diet was the control and consisted of 60% of the growth requirements in the form of concentrate feed mixture.(CFM) while Berseem hay (Trifolium alexandrium) was offered ad lib. Second and third diets had the same 60% CFM and the halophyte mixture was fed ad lib. To the second diet 20-ppm monensin (commercial form as sodium salt)/h/d was added for the purpose of enhancing nutrient utilization. Mineral, nitrogen and water metabolism of salt bush fed lambs as affected by monensin was investigated. Feeding experiments followed by a balance trial were conducted for 155 days. Monensin addition to salt plant based-diets caused a reduction in both fecal and urine Ca excretion. Hence, monensin improved Ca utilization. Monensin did not appear to have influenced Na absorption.

Summary in Arabic.

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