Interpretive Summary: Effect of a molasses-based liquid supplement on gastrointestinal tract barrier function, inflammation, and performance of newly received feedlot cattle before and after a transport stress

By: Breno C Silva, Leticia A Godoi, Chanadol Supapong, Bryce Bitsie, Sebastian C Valadares Filho, Jon P Schoonmaker

Stress from weaning, feed restriction, transportation, and gastrointestinal acidosis can cause inflammation and intestinal damage, resulting in decreased absorptive capacity and immune defense capability. Gastrointestinal inflammation has a significant catabolic cost and causes nutritional resources to be directed away from anabolic processes. Molasses-based liquid supplements have the potential to improve gastrointestinal tract (GIT) barrier function in stressed, newly received feedlot cattle through increased ruminal production of butyrate from sugar. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of a dry versus a molasses-based liquid supplement on ruminal butyrate production, GIT barrier function, inflammatory status, and performance of newly received feedlot cattle. We demonstrate that a molasses-based liquid supplement increased ruminal butyrate concentrations, altered GIT barrier function, decreased serum haptoglobin and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, and improved the growth of stressed receiving cattle compared to a dry supplement.