The toxicity of sulfur for beef cattle varies depending on the type of diet, or more specifically, the acidity of the rumen. When sulfur enters the rumen, it is reduced to sulfide by the rumen microbes. A portion of sulfide produced becomes hydrogen sulfide, which is toxic. The more acidic the rumen environment is, the more hydrogen sulfide is produced. As such, cattle on high-grain diets are more susceptible to sulfur toxicity than cattle on forage-based diets. According to the Mineral Tolerances of Animals, cattle consuming 85% concentrate or more can tolerate up to 0.3% total dietary sulfur. Cattle consuming 40% roughage or greater can tolerate up to 0.5% total dietary sulfur. Total dietary sulfur is a combination of the sulfur provided by feed ingredients and the water. It can be difficult to estimate water intake; however, in many situations, high-sulfate water can contribute substantial amounts of sulfur to the total dietary concentration.

Browse related Faqs by tag: beef cattle, sulfur