The effect of various anionic salts on ruminant pH and short-chain fatty acids in non-pregnant and non-lactating cows

Authors: Engel M, Staufenbiel R, Gelfert C-C, Manner K
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 57, Issue 4, pp 225-228, Aug 2009
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Cattle, Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant
Subject Terms: Abdomen, Acid/base/pH, Alimentary system/gastroenterology, Minerals/elememts, Clinical pathology, Diagnostic procedures, Diet/rations/food, Nutrition/metabolism, Fat/lipids, Biochemistry/chemistry, Lactation, Milk, Mammary gland/udder, Metabolic disease, Disease/defect, Pregnancy, Reproduction, Reproduction - female
Article class: Short Communication

---

Abstract: AIM: To evaluate whether the different anionic salts used in the prevention of parturient paresis have an impact on the ruminal pH and the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in mature non-pregnant, non-lactating cows.
METHODS: Eleven Holstein-Friesian crossbred cows were administered 2,000 mEq of either one of three chloride salts, viz CaCl₂, MgCl₂, or NH₄Cl; four sulphate salts, viz CaSO₄, CaSO₄ with a grain size of 10 μm, MgSO₄, or (NH₄)₂SO₄; two combinations of anionic salts, viz CaCl₂+MgSO₄, or CaSO₄+NH₄Cl; NaCl; or water, via a ruminal cannula over a 14-day treatment period. The salts and controls were assigned in an 11 x 11 Latin square, and the cows were distributed randomly. Ruminal fluid was collected four times in each treatment period for monitoring the ruminal pH, and four times a day at Days 7 and 14 for monitoring any changes in the concentrations of SCFA.
RESULTS: Feeding anionic salts did not change the ruminal pH, total concentration of SCFA, or distribution pattern of the main SCFA acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid or valeric acid (p>0.05).
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Feeding anionic salts has no negative side effect on the ruminal pH and concentrations of SCFA in mature non-pregnant, non-lactating cattle. Impaired function of the rumen due to the feeding of anionic salts is not likely.
KEY WORDS: Cow, anionic salts, calcium, rumen, ruminal fermentation, short-chain fatty acids

---