PSXIV-39 Protein source and essential oil inclusion in the ruminal and blood parameters of grazing Nellore cattle

The objective was to evaluate the ruminal and blood parameters of grazing Nellore bulls, on Marandu pasture, in the summer season, receiving different sources of true protein and presence or absence of essential oil in the supplement. Twelve rumen-cannulated cattle (590 ± 50 kg) were used in a 4 × 4 triple Latin square design. Factors included: 1) soybean meal or SoyPass(®) (rumen bypass protein supplement), and 2) with or without CinnaGar(®) essential oil. The supplement was provided daily (0900 h) in the amount of 3 g/kg of BW. Ruminal fluid samples were collected, each period, at zero (before supplementation) and 6, 12 and 18 hours after supplementation. Blood samples were collected at zero, 2, 4 and 6 hours after supplementation. There was not triple interaction (P≥0.08) between the factors. The pH of the ruminal liquid was influenced by hour (P