Efecto del nitrato protegido sobre las emisiones de metano, utilización de la energía, y balance de nitrógeno en novillos Brangus

Abstract

This study assessed the effect of protected nitrate on methane emissions, energy utilization, and nitrogen balance in Brangus steers. Nine housed steers were assigned to one of three treatments that differed in a non-protein nitrogen source: urea (control), protected nitrate (NP), and free nitrate (NL). The experiment was performed in three periods by using a 3x3 Latin square design repeated three times. No animal showed signs of nitrate intoxication. NP steers reduced the intake and digestibility of dry matter, protein, and gross energy. Dietary nitrates reduced methane production by 23%. Nitrate levels of 3% in dry matter were safe for steer diets. In conclusion, the nitrate protection method presented here reduced dry matter intake, nitrogen retention, digestibility, and energy utilization efficiency.