The role of sulphur in ruminant nutrition. A review

The effect of dietary sulfur on performance, mineral status, rumen hydrogen sulfide, and rumen microbial populations in yearling beef steers

“…Microbes can utilize the S in sulfomucins resulting in recycling and utilization of the S (Deplancke et al, 2000). Sulfur is important to wool and hair production in small ruminants due to the high amounts of both cystine and methionine found in hair (Kandylis, 1984;NRC, 1996). These S-containing amino acids and Bvitamins are noted for their importance to milk and tissue protein production, collagen and connective tissue development, blood clotting, enzyme synthesis, and endocrine function (Kandylis, 1984).…”

“…Ruminants are unique in their need for S as the rumen microbiome provides the animal with adequate supplies of S-containing compounds once the needs of the rumen microbes are met (Kandylis, 1984). The beef NRC (1996) recommendation for S concentration in the diet of growing cattle is 0.15%, while a maximal level of 0.4% of the diet is suggested.…”

“…Negative impacts on intake in dairy cattle were observed with S concentrations at or above 0.35% (Bouchard and Conrad, 1974). Overall, the NRC concentration of 0.4% S is used as the benchmark to represent the maximum concentration where animals can be expected not to suffer from disease (Kandylis, 1984).…”

“…Sulfur may also negatively impact the ruminant's mineral status, in particular copper (Cu). The formation of thiomolybdates leads to a reduction of both Cu absorption and systemic Cu status when thiomolybdates enter circulation and scavenge Cu from biological processes Kandylis, 1984).…”

Effect of anhydrous ammonia treatment on the chemical composition and nutritive value of grass hay and on intake and performance in beef steers

“…The reduced liveweight gains from ammoniated hays of highest DOMIs and N contents suggested, in the absence of clinical symptoms, some subclinical degree of ammonia toxicity. Ammonia-N incorporation into rumen microbial protein requires dietary energy (Johnson, 1976) and sulphur (Kandylis, 1984). Assuming a value of 36 g N incorporated per kg DOMI, as reviewed by Thomas (1973), both control hays supplied inadequate nitrogen while the ammoniated hays supplied l3andlOgNd"' (Experiment 1) and 16, 16 and 30 g N d "' (Experiment 2) in excess of that appropriate to the available energy.…”