Ionophores: their effect on production efficiency and mode of action

Carboxylic polyether ionophores, when fed to growing ruminants improve efficiency of production. This review summarizes the observed effects of ionophores on the ruminal fermentation and the host animal. The effect of ionophores on prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is described and this knowledge is then utilized to explain many of the observed ionophore effects on the rumen fermentations and host gastrointestinal physiology.