EFFECT OF ABRUPTLY ADDING BUFFERS TO THE RATIONS OF LACTATING DAIRY COWS

Abstract

Feeding 0.23 kg of sodium bicarbonate plus 0.07 kg of magnesium oxide per day to cows with a milk fat depression tended to reduce dry matter intake temporarily. Milk production declined by 1.2 kg/day, milk fat increased by 0.43%, and rumen fluid pH increased as a result of buffer additions. There was also a trend toward higher blood alkaline indices. Key words: Buffers, lactating cows, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium oxide, milk fat depression