Impact of incorporating monensin sodium as a feed additive on growth performance, nutrient utilization, hemato-biochemistry, rumen fermentation, and carcass characteristics of feedlot sheep

The present study was conducted to assess the effect of incorporating monensin sodium as a feed additive on growth performance, nutrient utilization, blood biochemistry, rumen fermentation parameters, and carcass characteristics of feedlot sheep. Twelve crossbred, finishing male lambs were selected and assigned to two treatments, viz ., FLT and FLT-MS. Only in the FLT-MS group was monensin sodium fed as a feed additive. The results revealed that incorporation of monensin sodium had no effect ( p > 0.05) on dry matter intake, digestibility of nutrients (except cellulose; p = 0.012), and balance of nutrients. Total gain in body weight, average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) showed significantly ( p < 0.05) improved results by supplementing monensin sodium. Blood biochemicals [except aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)], rumen fermentation parameters (except total nitrogen), and carcass characteristics showed no significant effect ( p > 0.05) between treatments. These findings support the positive effect of monensin sodium on growth performance without any adverse effects on the health status of feedlot sheep.