What results can be expected from feeding monensin sodium to feedlot cattle?

Answer 1

The results that can be expected from feeding monensin to feedlot cattle are increased feed efficiency, better average daily gains, and less sick animals suffering from bouts of foamy bloat and acidosis. Feed intake is not so inconsistent as it would be if this ionophore were not fed to these cattle, because it selects for proprionate-producing bacteria and against lactate-producing and acetate-producing bacteria which increases rumen pH and reduces methane emissions), and decreases ammonia output (increasing protein availability to the animal). On a microbial level, you will see less gram-positive and more gram-negative bacteria, which is a means to actively select for, as mentioned above, more proprionate-producing bacteria than acetate-producing ones. You should also expect to see less protozoa and fungi in the rumen of these animals.