Post-ruminal branched-chain amino acid supplementation and intravenous lipopolysaccharide infusion alter blood metabolites, rumen fermentation, and nitrogen balance of beef steers.

Steers exposed to an endotoxin may require additional branched-chain AA (BCAA) to support an increase in synthesis of immune proteins. This study evaluated effects of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and BCAA supplementation on blood metabolites and N balance of 20 ruminally-cannulated steers (177 ± 4.2 kg BW).