Effect of anionic salts on some blood and urine minerals, acid-base balance and udder oedema of dry pregnant cows

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of an anionic diet on mineral metabolism, acid-base status and udder oedema of dairy cows fed grass silage based diets during the dry period. Eighteen pregnant, non-lactating Friesian cows were divided randomly into two groups according to their expected calving date. Dietary cation-anion balance (DCAB), calculated as mill equivalents [(Na + + K + ) - (Cl - + S 2- )], for high DCAB (control) and low DCAB treatments were +254 and -41 mEq kg -1 dry matter (DM), respectively. Anionic salts were ammonium chloride (NH 4 Cl), magnesium chloride (MgCl 2 ) and magnesium sulphate (MgSO 4 ). Cows received grass silage (5.2 kg DM), hay (0.9 kg DM) and a concentrate mixture (2.7 kg DM) until calving. Blood and urine samples were collected 4, 3, 2 and 1 week before the expected calving date, at calving, 1 day and 1 week after calving. Udder oedema was evaluated by a quantitative and a subjective method. Acidification resulted in a marked decrease in urinary pH, increased urinary Ca excretion and a change in blood acidbase balance. Blood Ca 2+ and plasma Ca tot concentrations were more stable at parturition for the anionic group, although such differences were not statistically significant. Anionic salts (DCAB -41 mEq kg -1 DM) did not cause udder oedema in experimental cows.;