Frequently (and not so frequently) Asked Questions
BRIEF: Can you use Rumensin to control ketosis?
QUESTION:
I have another goat nutrition question for you. The fine folks at
Elanco recently sent me a notice regarding a change in their label for
Rumensin. For goats, it says approved for all goats in confinement for the
control of coccidiosis. It does not distinguish between dairy or meat
or pet goats. A herd I work for has a few does die each year from
ketosis/fatty liver. This year I just found out that to avoid
problems with ketosis he has been feeding free choice grain during the
entire dry period. I found this out while examining a doe down with
fatty liver that is 1 week from freshening.
Is there any reason that Rumensin wouldn't have the same effect on
volatile fatty acid production in the rumen of goats as in cows? My
main reason for feeding Rumensin would be to control ketosis. Do you
know of anyone who feeds Rumensin to dairy goats? Do you have any idea
of feeding rates and any precautions? Do you know how much of a
production boost might be expected by feeding Rumensin to lactating
does?
ANSWER:
My PhD dissertation was entitled "Effects of Monensin Sodium on
Lactating French Alpine Does". I have been waiting 18 years for
someone to ask me about it!
This was experimental work, and we dumped the milk from monensin-fed
does. Rumensin was not then and is not now approved for feeding to
lactating cattle or goats in the United States. The new label
explicitly says "Do not feed to lactating goats." Read down there in
the fine print under "CAUTION".
We observed a non-significant increase in milk production (about 5%)
due to monensin in the ad lib trial and no difference whatsoever when
animals were restricted-fed. We saw a significantly decreased milk
fat% (15%) when animals were fed ad lib with 18ppm monesin and and
significant increase in milk protein% (10%) when they were restricted
fed. I wish I had hit them with 33ppm in the ad lib trial, I probably
would have seen more milk in that case, and a more severe milk fat%
reduction.
Both 18 and 33ppm were safe feeding levels. If goats break into the
feed room and gobble down the premix, there could be a problem. As far
as I know, no goats have yet died due to monensin, but they could.
Since monensin increased propionate production relative to acetate,
feeding it during the dry period might well help prevent fatty liver
and ketosis of late pregnancy.
I can send some reprints if you wish.