USE OF CARBON 13 AS TRACER IN METABOLISM STUDIES

Abstract

Diets different in 13 C concentration were fed to cattle during carbon balance measurements. Metabolizable carbon reflects differences in dietary carbon, but blood plasma and carbon dioxide deviate from intake. Carbon from corn silage in the diet contributes proportionally more to CO 2 than non-corn ingredients in the diet. Key words: Carbon 13, carbon balance, metabolism, cattle