Effect of lithium chloride intake in drinking water on bulls fed lucerne hay

Abstract

Four experiments were conducted to examine the effects of administering lithium chloride (LiCl) in a portion of the drinking water on feed intake and blood electrolytes of bulls fed lucerne hay at either restricted intake or ad libitum. In Hereford bulls on restricted intake, LiCl at 1 mmol/kg LW. day caused gross inappetence when given dissolved in 1 L water, but did not affect feed intake when given dissolved in a larger volume of water (10 L). This volume was subsequently used for administration of all doses of the salt. Lithium chloride (1 mmol/kg LW. day) given for 5 days to Hereford bulls on restricted intake did not affect body temperature or haematocrit. Lithium concentrations (mmol/L) of 0.62 and 0.31 were established in plasma and red blood cells, and Li+ was excreted at the rate of 14.2 mmol/L urine. Lithium chloride (0.5 mmol/kg LW. day) given for 30 days to Brahman bulls on either restricted intake or ad libitum feeding established Li+ concentrations (mmol/L) of 0.31 in plasma and 0.16 in red blood cells without altering blood concentrations of Na+ or K+. However, lithium treatment of bulls on ad libitum feeding caused a 10% reduction in feed intake, with an associated 15% decrease in liveweight gain. It is proposed that reduction in feed intake due to lithium treatment of bulls on ad libitum feeding was mediated through the calming effect of the drug decreasing eating activity.