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

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.

KEY WORDS:

• Cow
• anionic salts
• calcium
• rumen
• ruminal fermentation
• short-chain fatty acids

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.