High grain diet destroys thiamine CHICAGO, II “Rumen fer mentation of high-grain diets provides an apparent net synthesis of B vitamins, niacin, riboflavin and biotin, but results in a net destruction of thiamine,” says Dr. Jay C. Meiske, professor of animal science, University of Minnesota. Speaking to almost 600 scientists and feed industry representatives at the 32nd annual Pfizer Research Conference, Dr. Meiske described studies of dietary effects on B vitamin metabolism in ruminants. “The studies attempted to quantify the effects of diet, dietary ad ditives, such as antibiotics and ionophores, on net B-vitamin production in the rumen, and net absorption in the small and large intestines. “The feeding of high-grain diets and resulting net destruction of thiamine, corroborates feedlot CALL TOLL-FREE -800-848-5500 ext. 5 In Pennsylvania & Other States -800-447-5500 e>... To Take Advantage Of Our Spring Discount Price Savings! •No Beams - No Posts •100% Useable Space - No Birds •Easy Erection - No High Labor Costs •100% Maintenance Free - No Painting or Leaks •Available In Galvalume •20-Year Guarantee Straighter Sides For Larger Equipment experience, where we often see incidence of polioen cephalomalacia (PEM), a thiamine deficiency. This could be due to production of thiaminases or other vitamin antagonists.” Dr. Meiske theorized that en vironmental and managerial factors also might contribute to the problem. Because of genetic im provements related to weight gain and production, ruminant needs for B vitamins may have in creased. “We’re really pushing the animals,” Dr. Meiske says. “If they are unable to synthesize sufficient B-complex vitamins, it may "be necessary to supplement the high-excesses, and results in performance similar to that achieved with standard corn soybean meal diets,” he said. Dr. David A. Roland, Sr., poultry nutrition professor, Auburn In New York State - Operators On Duty 24 Hours A Day - XLU STEEL BUILDING SYSTEMS University, stated that the proper time to boost calcium supplements in pullet and hen changeover diets is one week before first egg production. “If egg producers wait until birds are laying, more calcium will be utilized in eggshell production, birds will become calcium-deficient and then overconsume feed, a symptom of calcium deficiency. Excess feed consumption can cause increased body weight and liver fat, higher fat-pad weight, decreased shell quality and development of fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome,” Roland said. Dr. Millard C. Calhoun, associate professor at the San Angelo Agricultural Experiment Station of Texas A&M University, described an innovative, in tragastric, infusion technique which provides a better un- Units available for all your needs! •Machine sheds •Workshops •Dairy barns •Grain storage buildings mi derstanding of nitrogen metabolism in sheep. “The in formation developed from this procedure,” he explained, “allows CALL US NOW! Lancaster Farming, Saturday, June 2,1984—D13 ; H Jay C. Meiske 4-H Li t| _ |i i | • Liquid Manure Pumps XIQ Q L|2 • ELECTROMIX • Barn Cleaner Chains lUIC ||Q AGRI UO SYSTEMS 800-222-2948 (301-398-2948) local * 2 Sizes In Stock * 8 Cu. Ft. Assembled w/Solid Front w/20" wheels pneumatic. $120.00 * 15 Cu. Ft. Assembled w/Removable Front w/26" wheels pneumatic, $155.00 OR WILL MAKE THE SIZE YOU ORDER • Made of Vi” Exterior Plywood • Edges Protected w/Galvanized Sheet • Finished w/Treated Redwood Stain "GREAT FOR LAWN. GARDEN AND FARM USE" To Lancaster Elam M. Ebersol 558 Gibbons Rd. Rd 1, Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505 P/zMileN. of Bird-in-Hand, PA scientists to predict certain production situations, such as sheep responses to additional dietary protein, high rumen bypass protein, and/or rumen protected forms of specific amino acids.- For the past 32 years, the Pfizer Research Conference has been attended by several hundred nutritionists, feed manufacturers, government personnel, university scientists and others associated with the feed industry. The con ference proceedings are a highly regarded synopsis of research information for industry and educational associations. Copies are available from Pfizer, Inc. Hammond appointed CARLISLE Knisely’s Agriculture Center, Inc. and Ralston Purina Co. are pleased to announce Guy Hammond as a staff addition. He comes to Knisely’s as a Farm Consultant and will cover Cum berland, York and Perry counties. As a large animal nutritionist, he has an Animal Science Degree from Carroll University, but will be concentrating primarily on dairy animals. His history of working on dairy farms as a herdsman and a Vetemarian Assistant for many years with his stepfather gives him the knowledge of the dairy animal. Hammond is presently residing at 729 Petersburg Road, Carlisle. • Bedding Choppers • Silage Carts • Manure Tanks Available From 808 SCHMIDT 717-253-3048 POS