The effect of various anionic salts on ruminant pH and short-chain fatty acids in non-pregnant and non-lactating cows.
OBJECTIVE
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 microm, 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
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.
Gelfert
C-C
CC
Clinical Department for Farm Animals and Herd Health Management, Clinic for Ruminants, Veterinärmedizinische Univeristät Wien, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria. c_c_gelfert@yahoo.de
Engel
M
M
Männer
K
K
Staufenbiel
R
R
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D000838:Anions; D002417:Cattle / Q000378:metabolism*; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D002712:Chlorides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration / Q000187:drug effects; D010319:Parturient Paresis / Q000517:prevention & control; D011247:Pregnancy; D012417:Rumen / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects*; D012492:Salts / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000838:Anions; D002712:Chlorides; D005227:Fatty Acids; D012492:Salts