Intermittent feeding of antibiotics for a short time at a high level while other additives are removed from the ration avoids clearance problems with the combined use of additives. In Nebraska studies, feeding 1 gram of aureomycin per head daily for three out of 28 days or 350 to 400 milligrams per head daily for seven out of 28 days gave similar performance increase and liver abscess control for feedlot cattle as did continuous feeding of 100 milligrams per head daily. Buffers Buffers are solutions containing both weak acids and their salts. Large quantities of organic acids are produced in the rumen by microbial fermentation. Saliva is the principal source of rumen-buffering agents.
Silages are high in organic acids.
Alkali compounds used as buffering agents in beef cattle diets include sodium bicarbonate, magnesium oxide, limestone and sodium bentonite. Limestone is not highly soluble in the rumen and is considered a buffering agent in the small intestine rather than the rumen. Results of studies of buffers in the diets of ruminants are inconclusive. Feed intake, daily gain and feed efficiency have been improved in some studies, but not in others. Using corn silage, high moisture grain or wheat rations.