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 × 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.
Acknowledgements
The authors are indebted to Michael Harlan Lyman for proofreading the text. The study was funded by Dr Pieper Technologie- and Produktionsentwicklung-GmbH, Wuthenow, Germany.