Effects of supplemental source of magnesium and inclusion of buffer on ruminal microbial fermentation in continuous culture

Magnesium oxide (MgO) is the most common supplemental source of Mg for dairy cows and a proven ruminal alkalizer when supplemented above NRC (2001) recommendations. However, overfeeding MgO may increase feeding costs, whereas the effects of alternative sources of Mg on ruminal fermentation are not well known. Moreover, it is still unclear if Mg supplementation influences the effects of bicarbonate-based buffers on ruminal fermentation. We aimed to evaluate the effect of Mg source on ruminal fermentation with diets formulated to a final concentration of 0.25% Mg, and to determine if the effect of sodium sesquicarbonate as a buffer varies with the source of Mg. We used 8 fermentors in a duplicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments, by combining 2 factors: (1) Mg source: using either MgO or an alternative source consisting of a blend of CaMg(OH)₄ and CaMg(CO₃)₂ (BLN) and (2) sodium sesquicarbonate buffer inclusion, at 0 or 0.6% of dry matter intake. Based on preliminary tests of reactivity, we hypothesized that BLN plus buffer would allow for greater ruminal pH, acetate molar proportion, and NDF digestibility than diets with MgO or without buffer. Four 10-d periods were completed, where the last 3 d were used for pH measurements and collection of samples for volatile fatty acids (VFA), ammonia (NH₃-N), Mg solubility, N metabolism, and nutrient digestibility. Effects of Mg source (source), sodium sesquicarbonate inclusion (buffer), and their interaction (source × buffer) were tested with the MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS Institute Inc.). We did not find an effect of Mg source on ruminal fermentation variables; however, concentration of soluble Mg in ruminal fluid was greater for MgO compared with BLN. On the other hand, buffer supplementation increased average ruminal pH, acetate molar proportion, and branched-chain VFA molar proportion; tended to increase NDF digestibility; and decreased both area under the curve and time below pH 6.0. An interaction of source × buffer was found for propionate, butyrate, and NH₃-N, the first one decreasing and the 2 others increasing only when buffer was supplemented to the BLN diet. Our results indicate that supplementing Mg with either MgO or BLN promotes similar ruminal fermentation in diets with total concentration of 0.25% Mg. Further evaluations are needed to assess Mg availability and animal performance in dairy cows fed BLN.     

Production,physiological response,and calcium and magnesium balance of lactating Holstein cows fed different sources of supplemental magnesium with or without ruminal buffer

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary replacement of magnesium oxide (MgO) with calcium-magnesium hydroxide [CaMg(OH)₂] and its interaction with ruminal buffer (sodium sesquicarbonate) supplementation on production, Ca and Mg balance, and overall physiological response of mid-lactation Holstein dairy cows. Sixty cows averaging 40.5 ± 7.0 kg of milk/d were used. Treatments were assigned following a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement: (1) MgO, (2) MgO + buffer, (3) CaMg(OH)₂, or (4) CaMg(OH)₂ + buffer. Diets were formulated to have 16.5% of crude protein, 1.82 Mcal/kg of net energy for lactation, 0.67% Ca, 0.39% P, and 0.25% Mg, all on a dry matter (DM) basis. Treatments were individually top dressed. Milk production, composition, and DM intake were evaluated. A subsample of 20 cows were randomly selected for the evaluation of Ca and Mg balance, blood gases, and electrolytes. Ruminal fluid was also collected for evaluation of pH and Ca and Mg solubility. Effects of Mg source, buffer, and the interaction Mg source × buffer were analyzed through orthogonal contrasts. An interaction of Mg source × buffer was found for DM intake and feed efficiency, in which cows fed CaMg(OH)₂ had a similar feed efficiency regardless of ruminal buffer inclusion; however, when cows were fed MgO, the inclusion of buffer reduced feed efficiency. No effects on body weight and milk yield were observed. Buffer addition tended to increase the concentrations of fat, protein, and solids-not-fat, without affecting the yields of these milk components. Magnesium source and buffer did not affect ruminal fluid, blood, urine, or fecal pH; however, buffer supplementation increased urinary pH. Treatment with CaMg(OH)₂ increased blood concentration of HCO₃^?, total CO₂, and base excess compared with cows fed MgO. No differences were observed in the ruminal solubility of Ca and Mg or on milk or urinary Ca and Mg excretion. Greater plasma Mg concentration was observed for animals fed MgO compared with cows fed CaMg(OH)₂; however, both sources were above the threshold recommended in the literature for dairy cows. Also, a reduction in fecal Mg excretion was observed in animals fed CaMg(OH)₂. In summary, we provide evidence that CaMg(OH)₂ could replace MgO without affecting performance, overall physiological response, or Ca and Mg balance of mid-lactating dairy Holstein cows.     

Effects of exogenous amylolytic or fibrolytic enzymes inclusion on in vitro fermentation of lactating dairy cow diets in a dual-flow continuous-culture system

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of including exogenous amylolytic or fibrolytic enzymes in a diet for high-producing dairy cows on in vitro ruminal fermentation. Eight dual-flow continuous-culture fermentors were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square. The treatments were control (CON), a xylanase and glucanase mixture (T1), an α-amylase mixture (T2), or a xylanase, glucanase, and α-amylase mixture (T3). Treatments were included at a rate of 0.008% of diet dry matter (DM) for T1 and T2 and at 0.02% for T3. All treatments replaced the equivalent amount of soybean meal in the diet compared with CON. All diets were balanced to have the same nutrient composition [30.2% neutral detergent fiber (NDF), 16.1% crude protein (CP), and 30% starch; DM basis], and fermentors were fed 106 g/d divided into 2 feedings. At each feeding, T2 was pipetted into the respective fermentor and an equivalent amount of deionized water was added to each fermentor to eliminate potential variation. Experimental periods were 10 d (7 d for adaptation and 3 d for sample collection). Composite samples of daily effluent were collected and analyzed for volatile fatty acids (VFA), NH₃-N, and lactate concentrations, degradability of DM, organic matter, NDF, CP, and starch, and flow and metabolism of N. Samples of fermentor contents were collected from each fermentor at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 h after feeding to determine kinetics of pH, NH₃-N, lactate, and VFA concentrations over time. All data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX of SAS (SAS Institute Inc.), and the repeated variable of time was included for kinetics measurements. Treatment did not affect mean pH, degradability, N flow and metabolism, or the concentrations of VFA, NH₃-N, or lactate in the effluent samples. Treatment did not affect pH, acetate:propionate ratio, or the concentrations of lactate, NH₃-N, total VFA, acetate, propionate, butyrate, isobutyrate, valerate, or caproate. However, the concentration of total VFA tended to change at each time point depending upon the treatment, and T2 tended to have a greater proportion of 2-methylbutyrate and isovalerate than CON, T1, or T3. As 2-methylbutyrate and isovalerate are branched-chain VFA that are synthesized from branched-chain amino acids, T2 may have an increased fermentation of branched-chain amino acids or decreased uptake by fibrolytic microorganisms. Although we did not observe changes in N metabolism due to the enzymes, there could be changes in microbial populations that utilize branched-chain VFA. Overall, the tested enzymes did not improve in vitro ruminal fermentation in the diet of high-producing dairy cows.     

Potassium carbonate as a cation source for early-lactation dairy cows fed high-concentrate diets

Previous studies reported that addition of K₂CO₃ to high-concentrate diets improved milk fat synthesis, although the mechanism is yet to be established. The objective of the current experiment was to investigate the effects of dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD), cation source, and buffering ability of the mineral supplement on rumen biohydrogenation of fatty acids and production performance in dairy cows fed a high-concentrate diet. Thirty-five early-lactation Holstein cows (25 multiparous ruminally fistulated and 10 primiparous nonfistulated) were used in a randomized complete block design (7 blocks) with 33-d periods, including a 5-d pre-treatment collection period used as a covariate. Diets were (1) control, a basal diet [47% nonfibrous carbohydrates, DCAD (Na + K – Cl – S) = 65 mEq/kg of dry matter (DM)] containing 40% forage (including 60% corn silage) and 60% concentrate, (2) K₂CO₃ (control + K₂CO₃, 1.8% of DM, DCAD = 326 mEq/kg of DM), (3) KHCO₃ (control + KHCO₃, 2.6% of DM, DCAD = 324 mEq/kg of DM), (4) KCl (control + KCl, 2.0% of DM, DCAD = 64 mEq/kg of DM), and (5) Na₂CO₃ (control + Na₂CO₃, 1.4% of DM, DCAD = 322 mEq/kg of DM). Pre-planned orthogonal contrasts were used to assess the effects of K₂CO₃ (control vs. K₂CO₃), buffering ability (K₂CO₃ vs. KHCO₃), DCAD (K₂CO₃ vs. KCl), and cation type (K₂CO₃ vs. Na₂CO₃). Supplementing K₂CO₃ in a high-concentrate diet did not improve milk fat yield or 4% fat-corrected milk yield. Milk fat concentration was greater in cows fed K₂CO₃ compared with control (4.03 vs. 3.26%). Milk yield tended to decrease (34.5 vs. 38.8 kg/d) and lactose yield decreased in cows fed K₂CO₃ as compared with KCl (1.64 vs. 1.87 kg/d). Milk fat concentration of trans-10 18:1 was increased when cows were fed Na₂CO₃ as compared with K₂CO₃. A positive relationship was observed between concentrations of anteiso 15:0 and trans-10,cis-12 18:2 in milk fat from cows receiving K₂CO₃. Milk Na concentration was increased, whereas milk Cl was decreased with K₂CO₃ as compared with KHCO₃ or KCl. A positive relationship was established between milk Cl concentration and milk yield (R² = 0.34) across all dietary treatments. Cation-anion difference (Na + K – Cl – S) in ruminal fluid was increased with K₂CO₃ as compared with control or KCl. Blood pH tended to decrease in cows fed KCl compared with K₂CO₃. Our results suggest that mineral supplementation tends to affect milk and milk fat synthesis and that factors other than DCAD, potassium ion, or buffer ability may be implicated. The variations observed in mineral composition of milk suggest an allostatic process to maintain an ionic equilibrium in mammary epithelial cells in response to mineral composition of the diet.     

Effects of dietary cation-anion difference on ruminal metabolism and blood acid-base regulation in dairy cows receiving 2 contrasting levels of concentrate in diets

Dietary cation-anion difference [DCAD = Na + K − Cl in mEq/kg of dry matter (DM)] increases DM intake (DMI) in cows fed diets containing rapidly degraded starch. Increased DMI of diets containing rapidly degraded starch could potentially exacerbate subacute acidosis. The objective of this study was to determine metabolic effects of increasing DCAD in low and high starch diets. Six cannulated Holstein cows were blocked into 2 groups of 3 cows and assigned to two 3 × 3 Latin squares in a split-plot design. Each group received a level of concentrate at either 20 or 40% on a DM basis. The diet containing 20% concentrate supplied 4% rapidly degraded starch, whereas the diet containing 40% concentrate supplied 22% rapidly degraded starch. Diets in each square were formulated to provide a DCAD of 0, 150, or 300 mEq/kg of DM. The 3 values were obtained by manipulating Na and Cl contents. Increasing the proportion of rapidly degraded starch decreased rumen pH and the acetate to propionate ratio but did not affect digestibility, blood acid-base status, pH of urine, and strong ion excretion. Increasing DCAD increased DMI, the effect being higher when the cows were fed the 40% concentrate diet. Increasing DCAD did not affect mean ruminal pH, molar proportion of VFA, and fiber digestibility; reduced the range of rumen pH decrease during the meal in cows fed the 40% concentrate diet; and strongly increased blood pH and blood HCO₃ concentration. Increasing DCAD increased urine pH and modified the urinary excretion of minerals. With low DCAD, 70% of Cl and only 16% of Na were excreted in urine whereas with high DCAD, 33% of Cl and 53% of Na were excreted. These results suggest that DMI of cows fed diets rich in rapidly degraded starch and low DCAD was limited to maintain the blood pH in a physiological range. Increasing DCAD allowed the cows to increase DMI because of the ability of positive DCAD to maintain blood acid-base status. A localized rumen buffering effect could not be excluded and could be linked with a higher amount of HCO₃ recycled into the rumen. Main mechanisms involved in regulating blood pH might be renal excretion of protons and strong ions and renal HCO₃ reabsorption.     

Effects of reducing dietary cation-anion difference on lactation performance and nutrient digestibility of lactating cows and ammonia emissions from manure

Reducing the dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) reduces urine pH and, therefore, has potential to lower NH₃ emissions from manure. We determined the effects of decreased DCAD on dry matter intake, production, nutrient digestibility, manure characteristics, and NH₃ emissions from manure. An in vitro incubation study was conducted to evaluate the degree of reduced urine pH on manure pH and NH₃ emissions from manure. In this study, urine pH was directly decreased from 8.5 to 7.5, 6.5, and 5.5 by adding sulfuric acid, which resulted in decreases in manure pH when manure was reconstituted with the fecal-to-urine ratio of 2:1 (as-is basis). The manures from urine at pH 7.5, 6.5, and 5.5 decreased NH₃ emissions linearly by 19, 33, and 36%, respectively, compared with the manure from unacidified urine. An animal study was conducted with 27 mid-lactation Holstein cows in a randomized complete block design. Cows were blocked by parity and days in milk and assigned to 1 of 3 different DCAD diets: (1) HDCAD, a diet with DCAD of 193 mEq/kg of dry matter (DM); (2) MDCAD, a diet with 101 mEq/kg of DM; and (3) LDCAD, a diet with 1 mEq/kg of DM. A commercial anionic product (predominantly ammonium chloride) partly replaced urea, soybean meal, soyhulls, and corn grain in MDCAD and LDCAD to lower DCAD. The experiment lasted 7 wk (1-wk covariate followed by 6-wk data collection). Spot urine and fecal samples were collected for manure incubation. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS in a randomized block design. Dry matter intake and milk yield were not altered by treatments. No difference in milk fat content was observed among treatments, but fat yield tended to decrease linearly (1.00 to 0.86 kg/d) as DCAD decreased, resulting in a tendency for decreasing energy-corrected milk yield (35.1 to 32.7 kg/d). Milk protein content increased (3.00 to 3.14%) as DCAD decreased, but milk protein yield was not affected. Total-tract digestibility of DM, organic matter, and neutral detergent fiber did not differ among treatments. Digestibility of crude protein tended to decrease as DCAD decreased. There was no difference in fecal and urine N excretion among treatments, but fecal N as proportion of N intake tended to increase as DCAD decreased. Urine pH decreased linearly from 8.42 for HDCAD to 8.11 and 6.41 for MDCAD and LDCAD, respectively, resulting in decreased manure pH (7.57, 7.40, and 6.96 for HDCAD, MDCAD, and LDCAD, respectively). The cumulative NH₃ emissions from manures over 6 d tended to decrease linearly as DCAD decreased (461 to 390 mg/kg of manure), but the decrease was only numerical when calculated on a cow basis (i.e., g/cow). In conclusion, lowering DCAD has potential to reduce NH₃ emission from manure of lactating cows. However, a tendency for decreased milk fat yield and energy-corrected milk yield suggests that DCAD of 1 mEq/kg of DM may be too low, and more studies are needed to examine relatively less reduced DCAD to determine production responses in addition to NH₃ emission from manure.     

Effect of dietary cation-anion difference on acid-base status and dry matter intake in dry pregnant cows

The objective was to determine if the reduction in dry matter (DM) intake of acidogenic diets is mediated by inclusion of acidogenic products, content of salts containing Cl, or changes in acid-base status. The hypothesis was that a decrease in intake is mediated by metabolic acidosis. Ten primigravid Holstein cows at 148 ± 8 d of gestation were used in a duplicated 5 × 5 Latin square design. The dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) of diets and acid-base status of cows were manipulated by incorporating an acidogenic product or by adding salts containing Cl, Na, and K to the diets. Treatments were a base diet (T1; 1.42% K, 0.04% Na, 0.26% Cl; DCAD = 196 mEq/kg); the base diet with added 1% NaCl and 1% KCl (T2; 1.83% K, 0.42% Na, 1.23% Cl; DCAD = 194 mEq/kg); the base diet with added 7.5% acidogenic product, 1.5% NaHCO₃, and 1% K₂CO₃ (T3; 1.71% K, 0.54% Na, 0.89% Cl; DCAD = 192 mEq/kg); the base diet with added 7.5% acidogenic product (T4; 1.29% K, 0.13% Na, 0.91% Cl; DCAD = ?114 mEq/kg); and the base diet with 7.5% acidogenic product, 1% NaCl, and 1% KCl (T5; 1.78% K, 0.53% Na, 2.03% Cl; DCAD = ?113 mEq/kg). Periods lasted 14 d with the last 7 d used for data collection. Feeding behavior was evaluated for 12 h in the last 2 d of each period. Reducing the DCAD by feeding an acidogenic product reduced blood pH (T1 = 7.450 vs. T2 = 7.436 vs. T3 = 7.435 vs. T4 = 7.420 vs. T5 = 7.416) and induced a compensated metabolic acidosis with a reduction in bicarbonate, base excess, and partial pressure of CO₂ in blood, and reduced pH and strong ion difference in urine. Reducing the DCAD reduced DM intake 0.6 kg/d (T1 = 10.3 vs. T4 = 9.7 kg/d), which was caused by the change in acid-base status (T2 + T3 = 10.2 vs. T4 + T5 = 9.6 kg/d) because counteracting the acidifying action of the acidogenic product by adding salts with strong cations to the diet prevented the decline in intake. The decline in intake caused by metabolic acidosis also was observed when adjusted for body weight (T2 + T3 = 1.75 vs. T4 + T5 = 1.66% BW). Altering the acid-base status with acidogenic diets reduced eating (T2 + T3 = 6.7 vs. T4 + T5 = 5.9 bouts/12 h) and chewing (T2 + T3 = 14.6 vs. T4 + T5 = 13.5 bouts/12 h) bouts, and extended meal duration (T2 + T3 = 19.8 vs. T4 + T5 = 22.0 min/meal) and intermeal interval (T2 + T3 = 92.0 vs. T4 + T5 = 107.7 min). Results indicate that reducing the DCAD induced a compensated metabolic acidosis and reduced DM intake, but correcting the metabolic acidosis prevented the decline in DM intake in dry cows. The decrease in DM intake in diets with negative DCAD was mediated by metabolic acidosis and not by addition of acidogenic product or salts containing Cl.     

Sulfur and chlorine play a non-acid base role in periparturient calcium homeostasis

The increased risk of periparturient hypocalcaemia through offering high-K feeds in the precalving period has been reported previously. Two experiments (experiment 1 and 2) investigated the effect of KCl fertilizer on pasture mineral concentration, the dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD), and the subsequent effect of this on periparturient plasma and urine mineral status. Experiment 2 examined the effect of precalving Mg source (MgO, MgSO4, and MgCl2) and postcalving Ca supplementation on the concentration of Ca and Mg in plasma and urine. Unexpectedly, pasture DCAD increased (P = 0.06) from 434 to 535 mEq/kg DM in experiment 1 as pasture K concentration decreased from 4.2 to 3.5%, primarily because of a corresponding and greater decrease in pasture Cl concentration (from 1.9 to 1.3%). Plasma Ca or Mg concentrations were not affected by pasture K concentration. A linear decline (P < 0.10) in urine Mg suggested a decline in Mg absorption as pasture K increased. In experiment 2, pasture DCAD decreased (P < 0.05) linearly from 403 to 350 mEq/kg DM as pasture K concentration decreased from 3.8 to 3.3%. However, precalving urine pH was not affected by the declining DCAD. Postcalving plasma Ca concentration was affected by precalving Mg source with MgSO4 > MgCl2 > MgO. Differences in acid-base balance do not explain the difference between Mg salts. These results indicate that precalving dietary S and Cl concentration plays an important role in Ca homeostasis, in addition to its role in acid-base balance. Supplementation with Ca postcalving increased plasma Ca concentration for 2 d postcalving. Milk production was not affected.     

Impact of lowering dietary cation-anion difference in nonlactating dairy cows: a meta-analysis

A meta-analysis of previous studies was performed to clarify the response of prepartum dairy cows to lowering dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) and to compare different equations that have been proposed to calculate DCAD. Twenty-two published studies containing 75 treatment groups met criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Five different equations used to calculate DCAD were compared for their association with clinical milk fever and urinary pH. The DCAD equation (Na + K) − (Cl + 0.6 S) was the most highly associated with clinical milk fever (R² = 0.44) and urinary pH (R² = 0.85). Lowering DCAD reduced clinical milk fever but also reduced DM intake. Lowered DCAD was associated with reduced urinary pH, blood bicarbonate, and blood CO₂, suggesting a metabolic acidosis with respiratory compensation. Blood pH was very slightly lowered by lowered DCAD. Lowering DCAD increased ionized Ca in blood before and at calving. The model predicted that lowering DCAD from +300 to 0 mEq/kg reduced risk for clinical milk fever from 16.4 to 3.2%, reduced urinary pH from about 8.1 to 7.0, and reduced DM intake by 11.3%.     

Dietary cation-anion difference effects on performance and acid-base status of dairy cows postpartum

Our objective was to examine the effect of dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) on performance and acid-base status of cows postpartum. Sixteen Holstein and 8 Jersey multiparous cows were used immediately after calving to compare 2 DCAD [22 or 47 milliequivalents (Na + K − Cl − S)/100 g of dry matter (DM)] in a completely randomized design. The corn silage-based diets were formulated to contain 19.0% crude protein, 25.4% neutral detergent fiber, 15.0% acid detergent fiber, and 1.69 Mcal of net energy for lactation per kilogram (on a DM basis). An additional 2.3 kg of alfalfa hay was fed during the first 5 d postpartum, and then milk, blood, and urine samples were collected weekly for 6 wk. Repeated-measures (with an extra between-cow effect) mixed model analysis indicated that DCAD did not affect DM intake (18.2 and 18.3 kg/d), milk production (33.5 and 33.3 kg/d), milk composition (3.96 and 4.11% fat, 3.11 and 3.00% protein, and 8.95 and 8.83% solids-not-fat), jugular venous blood pH (7.395 and 7.400), HCO₃⁻ concentration (27.3 and 27.6 mEq/L), or partial pressure of CO₂ (46.7 and 46.5 mmHg). Elevated coccygeal venous plasma branched-chain AA (431 and 558 μM) and ratio of essential AA to total AA (0.390 and 0.434) in cows with DCAD of 22 vs. 47 mEq/100 g of DM indicated that N metabolism in the rumen was affected, probably resulting in more microbial protein flowing to the small intestine. Urinary pH tended to increase with DCAD (8.12 vs. 8.20). Higher net acid excretion in cows with DCAD of 22 vs. 47 mEq/100 g of DM (−24 and −41 mM:mM) suggested that net acid excretion was much more indicative of acid load than blood acid-base parameters in cows postpartum. Intake of DM and performance of cows postpartum were not improved when DCAD increased from 22 to 47 mEq/100 g of DM, likely because cows immediately after calving respond more variably to dietary treatments and that makes treatment effects difficult to detect.     

Metabolic and blood acid-base responses to prepartum dietary cation-anion difference and calcium content in transition dairy cows

Dairy cows commonly undergo negative Ca balance accompanied by hypocalcemia after parturition. A negative dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) strategy has been used prepartum to improve periparturient Ca homeostasis. Our objective was to determine the influence of a negative DCAD diet with different amounts of dietary Ca on the blood acid-base balance, blood gases, and metabolic adaptation to lactation. Multiparous Holstein cows (n = 81) were blocked into 1 of 3 dietary treatments from 252 d of gestation until parturition: (1) positive DCAD diet and low Ca (CON; containing +6.0 mEq/100 g DM, 0.4% DM Ca); (2) negative DCAD diet and low Ca (ND; ?24.0 mEq/100 g DM, 0.4% DM Ca); or (3) negative DCAD diet plus high Ca supplementation (NDCA; ?24.1 mEq/100 g DM, 2.0% DM Ca). There were 28, 27, and 26 cows for CON, ND, and NDCA, respectively. Whole blood was sampled at 0, 24, 48, and 96 h after calving for immediate determination of blood acid-base status and blood gases. Serum samples collected at ?21, ?14, ?7, ?4, ?2, ?1, at calving, 1, 2, 4, 7, 14, 21, and 28 d relative to parturition were analyzed for metabolic components. Results indicated that cows fed ND or NDCA had lower blood pH at calving but greater pH at 24 h after calving compared with CON. Blood bicarbonate, base excess, and total CO₂ (tCO₂) concentrations of cows in ND and NDCA groups were less than those of cows in CON at calving but became greater from 24 to 96 h postpartum. The NDCA cows had lower blood bicarbonate, base excess, and tCO₂ at 48 h and greater partial pressure of oxygen after calving compared with ND. Cows fed ND or NDCA diets had lower serum glucose concentrations than CON cows before calving but no differences were observed postpartum. Serum concentrations of total protein and albumin were greater prepartum for cows in ND and NDCA groups than for those in CON. Postpartum serum urea N and albumin concentrations tended to be higher for ND and NDCA cows. Cows fed ND or NDCA diets had elevated serum total cholesterol concentration prepartum. During the postpartum period, triglycerides and NEFA of cows fed ND or NDCA diets tended to be lower than those of CON. Cows fed the NDCA diet had greater postpartum total cholesterol in serum and lower NEFA concentration at calving than ND. In conclusion, feeding a prepartum negative DCAD diet altered blood acid-base balance and induced metabolic acidosis at calving, and improved protein and lipid metabolism. Supplementation of high Ca in the negative DCAD diet prepartum was more favorable to metabolic adaptation to lactation in dairy cows than the negative DCAD diet with low Ca.     

Effects of Feeding Synthetic Zeolite A and Sodium Bicarbonate on Milk Production Nutrient Digestion,and Rate of Digesta Passage in Dairy Cows

Four rumen-cannulated Holstein cows were fed synthetic zeolite A and NaHCO₃ to evaluate their affect on milk production, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, and rate of digesta passage. Treatments were allocated in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement within a 4 × 4 Latin-square design. Treatments consisted of control; 1.0% NaHCO₃; 2.0% zeolite; and 1.0% NaHCO₃ plus 2.0% zeolite. A total mixed ration with 50:50 concentrate to forage (80% corn silage, 20% haylage) DM was fed.Intake of DM was lower for cows receiving zeolite (18.7 vs. 20.7 kg/d). Decreases were noted in daily milk (26.3 vs. 28.9 kg/d). 4% FCM (23.6 vs. 25.6 kg/d); milk fat yield (.86 vs. .93 kg/d); milk protein yield (.85 vs. .95 kg/d); and milk protein percent (3.21 vs. 3.34) with zeolite. Digestibilities of DM, organic matter, and crude protein were also decreased by zeolite but ADF digestion was unaffected. Rumen pH was increased, ruminal propionate decreased, and acetate:propionate ratio increased by zeolite. All other VFA plus rumen NH₃ were not affected by treatment. Decreases due to zeolite were observed in liquid fractional rate of passage and liquid flow rate when measured by Cr-EDTA in the feces. No treatment differences were found in fractional rate of passage of feed particles. Addition of NaHCO₃ had no significant effects.     

Changing dietary cation-anion difference for dairy cows fed with two contrasting levels of concentrate in diets

High-producing dairy cows are commonly fed diets containing a high proportion of rapidly degradable starch, which can cause subacute acidosis and reduce dry matter (DM) intake. Because of the properties of nonmetabolizable cations and anions, increasing the dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD = Na + K − Cl − S in mEq/kg of DM) may prevent a drop in DM intake. To test this hypothesis, 48 Holstein cows were blocked into 2 groups of 24 and assigned to two 3 × 3 Latin squares in a split-plot design. Each group received one level of concentrate at either 20% or 40% on a dry matter (DM) basis. The diet containing 20% concentrate was formulated to supply 4% rapidly degradable starch, whereas the diet containing 40% concentrate supplied 22% rapidly degradable starch. Diets in each square were formulated to provide a DCAD of 0, 150, or 300 mEq/kg of DM. The 3 values were obtained by manipulating Na and Cl contents. Intake, 4% fat-corrected milk yield, and milk fat percentage, as well as blood nonesterified fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate increased with DCAD, but only on the diet providing 40% concentrate. The yield of trans-10 C_18:1 and odd-chain fatty acids decreased with increasing DCAD, whereas trans-11 C_18:1 increased. Again, this occurred only with the diet providing 40% concentrate. Blood pH and HCO₃ concentration increased along with DCAD, irrespective of the concentrate level. A positive DCAD led to increasing DM intake and fat-corrected milk yield in dairy cows fed highly degradable diets. The mechanism involved may be a localized rumen buffering effect, together with the ability of positive DCAD to maintain blood acid-base status in cows faced with a massive acid input.     

Effect of duration of exposure to diets differing in dietary cation-anion difference on Ca metabolism after a parathyroid hormone challenge in dairy cows

Objectives of the experiment were to determine the length of exposure to an acidogenic diet that would elicit changes in acid-base balance, mineral digestion, and response to parathyroid hormone (PTH)-induced changes in blood Ca and vitamin D₃ in prepartum dairy cows. Nonlactating parous Holstein cows (n = 20) at 242 d of gestation were blocked by lactation (1 or >1) and pretreatment dry matter (DM) intake and, within block, they were randomly assigned to a diet with a dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) of +200 mEq/kg of DM (DCAD +200) or an acidogenic diet with ?150 mEq/kg of DM (DCAD ?150). Water and DM intake were measured and blood was sampled daily. Urine was sampled every 3 h for 36 h, and then daily. During PTH challenges on d 3, 8, and 13, cows received i.v. PTH 1–34 fragment at 0.05 µg/kg of body weight every 20 min for 9 h to mimic the pulsatile release of endogenous PTH. Blood was sampled at 0 h, and hourly thereafter until 10 h, and at 12, 18, 24, 36, and 48 h relative to each challenge. Acid-base measures and concentrations of ionized Ca (iCa) in whole blood, and total Ca, Mg, P, and vitamin D metabolites in plasma were evaluated. On d 2 and 7, Ca, Mg, and P balances were evaluated. Cows fed DCAD ?150 had smaller blood pH (7.431 vs. 7.389) and HCO₃^? (27.4 vs. 22.8 mM) compared with DCAD +200, and metabolic acidosis in DCAD ?150 was observed 24 h after dietary treatments started. Concentrations of iCa begin to increase 24 h after feeding the acidogenic diet, and it was greater in DCAD ?150 compared with DCAD +200 by 3 d in the experiment (1.23 vs. 1.26 mM). During the PTH challenges, cows fed DCAD ?150 had greater concentration of iCa and area under the curve for iCa than those fed DCAD +200 (48.2 vs. 50.7 mmol/L × hour), and there was no interaction between treatment and challenge day. Concentration of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ in plasma did not differ during the PTH challenge, but change in 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ relative to h 0 of the challenge was smaller in cows fed DCAD ?150 than cows fed DCAD +200 (44.1 vs. 32.9 pg/mL). Urinary loss of Ca was greater in cows fed DCAD ?150 compared with DCAD +200 (1.8 vs. 10.8 g/d); however, because digestibility of Ca increased in cows fed DCAD ?150 (19.7 vs. 36.6%), the amount of Ca retained did not differ between treatments. Diet-induced metabolic acidosis was observed by 24 h after dietary treatment started, resulting in increases in concentration of iCa in blood observed between 1 and 3 d. Collectively, present results indicate that tissue responsiveness to PTH and changes in blood concentrations of iCa and digestibility of Ca are elicited within 3 d of exposure to an acidogenic diet. The increased apparent digestibility of Ca compensated for the increased urinary loss of Ca resulting in similar Ca retention.     

Prepartum level of dietary cation-anion difference fed to nulliparous cows: Acid-base balance,mineral metabolism,and health responses

Objectives were to determine the effects of 3 different levels of dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) fed during the last 22 d of gestation to pregnant nulliparous cows on pre- and postpartum acid-base balance, mineral metabolism, and health responses. In all, 132 pregnant nulliparous Holstein cows were enrolled at 250 (248–253) d of gestation, blocked by genomic merit of energy-corrected milk yield, and assigned randomly to diets varying in DCAD: +200 (P200, n = 43), −50 (N50, n = 45), or −150 (N150, n = 44) mEq/kg of dry matter. Dietary treatments were fed until calving, after which cows received the same lactation diet for the first 100 d postpartum. Urine and blood were sampled throughout the prepartum period and in the first weeks postpartum, and urine was assessed for pH, whereas blood was analyzed for gases, measures of acid-base balance, minerals, and metabolites. Calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) retention and phosphorus (P) digestibility were evaluated in the last week of gestation and first week of lactation. Incidence of diseases was evaluated for the first 100 d postpartum. Data are presented in sequence as P200, N50, N150 (LSM ± SEM). Reducing the DCAD reduced urine (8.17 vs. 6.50 vs. 5.51 ± 0.11) and blood pH (7.442 vs. 7.431 vs. 7.410 ± 0.004) and induced a state of compensated metabolic acidosis with a reduction in blood HCO₃⁻ (28.4 vs. 26.7 vs. 24.9 ± 0.3 mM) and partial pressure of CO₂ (41.8 vs. 40.1 vs. 39.1 ± 0.4 mmHg) prepartum. Reducing the DCAD linearly increased blood ionized Ca (iCa; 1.224 vs. 1.243 vs. 1.259 ± 0.008 mM) and serum total Ca (tCa; 2.50 vs. 2.53 vs. 2.56 ± 0.02 mM) prepartum, blood iCa on the day of calving, and serum Mg in the first days postpartum. Reducing the DCAD linearly increased the apparent absorption of Ca (12.9 vs. 19.0 vs. 20.9 ± 1.4 g/d) and Mg (7.0 vs. 9.9 vs. 10.4 ± 1.4 g/d) prepartum, but apparent retention of both Ca (13.9 g/d) and Mg (3.4 g/d) did not differ with treatment. Treatment did not affect digestibility of P pre- or postpartum or retention of Ca or Mg postpartum. Treatment did not affect the incidence or prevalence of subclinical hypocalcemia, hepatic composition, or the prevalence of fatty liver. Reducing the DCAD had a quadratic effect on incidence of fever (46.5 vs. 17.6 vs. 33.9 ± 7.0%), uterine diseases (36.3 vs. 25.6 vs. 46.0 ± 7.3%), and morbidity (41.4 vs. 28.1 vs. 55.6 ± 7.3%). Feeding a diet with −50 mEq/kg of dry matter promoted moderate changes in acid-base balance, altered mineral metabolism, and benefited health of nulliparous cows; however, further reducing the DCAD to −150 mEq/kg negated the benefits to health.     

Effects of dietary cation-anion difference on intake, milk yield, and blood components of the early lactation cow

Early lactation Holsteins cows (15 primiparous and 18 multiparous) were offered rations with dietary cation-anion difference, calculated as mEq (Na + K − Cl − S)/100 g of feed dry matter (DCAD:S), of 20, 35, or 50 mEq from d 0 (calving) to 42 d postpartum (August 20, 2000 to January 9, 2001) to determine the effects of increasing DCAD:S on dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield, and blood metabolites. For DCAD:S of 20, 35, and 50, DMI was 3.30, 3.38, 2.96 kg/100 kg of body weight (BW); milk yield was 25.5, 24.2, and 22.4 kg/d, respectively. No differences were observed for concentration or yield of milk fat or milk protein. Serum Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, Cl, cation-anion difference, insulin, and glucose did not differ with DCAD. Serum HCO₃⁻ was 26.07, 25.88, and 27.64 mEq/L for 20, 35, and 50 DCAD:S. Serum Ca, Mg, Na, and K concentrations were greater for primiparous cows (9.52 mg/dL, 2.35 mg/dL, 140.03 mEq/L, 4.66 mEq/L, respectively) than for multiparous cows (9.27 mg/dL, 2.12 mg/dL, 137.63 mEq/L, 4.46 mEq/ L, respectively). A DCAD:S between 23 and 33 mEq/ 100 g of dry matter (DM) appears to be adequate during cool weather for the milk yield that occurred in the present study based on DMI (kg/100 kg of BW), whereas DCAD:S of 50 mEq/100 g of DM may be excessive and could be too alkaline or unpalatable, resulting in decreased DMI (kg/100 kg of BW).     

Effects of timing of corn silage supplementation on digestion, fermentation pattern, and nutrient flow during continuous culture fermentation of a short and intensive orchardgrass meal

Using a dual-flow continuous culture fermenter system, this study evaluated the effect of timing of corn silage supplementation on ruminal digestion and nutrient flows following a short and intensive orchardgrass herbage meal. Treatments included 28 g dry matter (DM) of corn silage added either 9 h (9BH; 0700 h) or 1 h (1BH; 1500 h) before adding 42 g DM orchardgrass herbage or no corn silage (control; 70 g DM herbage). Herbage was fed as follows: 66% of the total herbage meal at 1600 h, 22% at 1720 h, and the remaining 12% at 1840 h. Effluent was analyzed for organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF). Purine concentrations in effluent and bacterial isolates were used to estimate the partition of effluent N flow into bacterial and nonbacterial fractions, and to calculate true OM digestibility. Fermenters were sampled for pH, volatile fatty acids (VFA), and NH₃-N at 0730, 1100, 1530, 1600, 1720, 1840, and 2000 h on d 10. Data were analyzed as a 3 × 4 Latin square experimental design. True digestibilities for OM (average of 78.5%) and CP (average of 84.6%), and apparent NDF digestibility (average of 82.7%) were not affected by treatment. Mean ruminal pH was lower for 9BH than for 1BH, averaging 5.6 and 6.5, respectively. Molar proportions of acetate were not affected by treatment. Propionate concentration was greater for 9BH than for 1BH, averaging 20.5 and 18.1 mM, respectively. Diurnal patterns of pH, NH₃-N, and acetate:propionate ratio were affected by treatment: 9BH had the lowest values for all measurements as the day progressed. The NH₃-N concentration and effluent NH₃-N flow were higher for 1BH (11.4 mg/100 mL and 0.26 g/d, respectively) than for 9BH (8.8 mg/100 mL and 0.20 g/d, respectively). Effluent NH₃-N flow (as a % of total N flow) was the lowest for 9BH. Bacterial efficiency was not affected by treatments, with a mean of 10.5 g of N/kg of OM truly digested. Under the same resource allocation (pasture plus supplement), a simple change in timing of corn silage feeding (9 rather than 1 h before an orchardgrass herbage meal) may alter ruminal fermentation pattern. These changes could increase the glucogenic nutrient supply and improve N utilization by reducing ammonia N losses.     

Short communication: Blood mineral and gas concentrations of calves born to cows fed prepartum diets differing in dietary cation-anion difference and calcium concentration

Eighty-two multiparous Holstein cows were fed diets differing in dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) and Ca concentrations in a randomized block design experiment beginning 4 wk before anticipated calving to determine the effects on colostrum yield and quality and acid-base balance and mineral status of newborn calves. Treatments were arranged as a 2 × 2 factorial to provide 2 DCAD [?22 mEq/100 g of dry matter (NEG) or ?3 mEq/100 g of dry matter (NEU)] and 2 supplemental Ca concentrations (1.3 or 1.8% of dry matter). After calving, cows were milked within 2 to 8 h and colostrum yield was recorded. Calves were fed 200 g of IgG of a commercial colostrum replacer within 4 h of birth. No differences were observed in birth weight or dystocia score among treatments, which averaged 42.7 kg and 1.12, respectively. Colostrum yield was not different among treatments and averaged 8.75 kg. Colostrum quality, as measured using a Brix refractometer, was not affected by DCAD but was higher for 1.3% compared with 1.8% Ca: 21.58% and 19.87%, respectively. Colostrum IgG concentrations were higher for NEG compared with NEU and for 1.3% compared with 1.8% Ca. No differences were observed in concentrations of serum IgG, Ca, P, K, Cl, anion gap, or whole-blood pH, partial pressure of O₂, or SO₂ of calves among treatments. Serum Mg and lactate concentrations were higher and CO₂ tended to be lower for calves born to cows fed 1.3% compared with 1.8% Ca. Interactions of DCAD and Ca were observed for serum Na and Cl, which were higher for NEU-1.3% Ca and NEG-1.8% Ca compared with NEU-1.8% Ca and NEG-1.3% Ca. Whole-blood partial pressure of CO₂, and HCO₃ exhibited an interaction of DCAD and Ca and tended to be lower for NEU-1.3% Ca and NEG-1.8% Ca compared with NEU-1.8% Ca and NEG-1.3% Ca. Results of this trial indicate that feeding prepartum diets with 1.8% compared with 1.3% supplemental Ca reduced colostrum quality and serum concentrations of Mg and lactate in calves immediately after birth. Feeding NEG supported higher colostrum IgG concentrations. Blood mineral concentrations and blood gas balance tended to differ, but the effects were not consistent across DCAD and Ca.     

Mode of action of yeast culture (YEA-SACC 1026) for stimulation of rumen fermentation in buffalo calves

The effect of daily supplementation of 5 g Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast culture (YC, YEA-SACC 1026), 30 g NaHCO₃, supernatant from 5 g YC (YCS), 5 g autoclaved YC (YCH) or 5 g γ-irradiated YC (YCR) to the diet of buffalo calves on rumen microbial populations and fermentation pattern was examined. Addition of 30 g NaHCO₃ increased the rumen pH to the level observed with YC group. The pH and the concentrations of total, total viable and cellulolytic bacteria and total volatile fatty acids (VFA) were significantly higher while that of lactic acid, hexose-unit oligosaccharides and NH₃-N were significantly lower in the rumen fluid of YC compared with the control group. The effect of NaHCO₃ was 39·5 and 59·5% in decreasing the concentrations of lactic acid and hexose-unit oligosaccharides, 48·1, 47·2 and 45·5% in increasing the numbers of total, total viable and cellulolytic bacteria, 50·0 and 58·1% in increasing the concentrations of total VFA and protein and 51·3% in decreasing the concentration of NH₃-N of YC. The corresponding values for YCR addition in the diet were 38·6, 45·7, 48·5, 44·4, 51·5, 39·1, 48·1 and 46·5%. The effect of YCS and YCH was only marginal, but conspicuous up to 2 h after feeding, in changing the above rumen variables when compared with the YC group. The results indicated that contribution of increase in pH in changing the rumen variables was approximately 50% of YC and almost all the stimulatory activity was associated with live yeast cells. Autoclaving of YC destroyed almost all and γ-irradiation of YC retained about 50% of stimulatory activity of YC. The effect of YC on rumen fermentation, which was maximum up to 2 to 4 h after feeding, decreased with time. © 1998 SCI.     

Timothy silage with low dietary cation-anion difference fed to nonlactating cows

Decreasing the dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) by using anion sources before calving reduces hypocalcemia in cows at calving. Reduced DCAD from CaCl₂-fertilized timothy hay achieves similar results, but the effects of feeding low-DCAD forage as silage have not been determined. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of low-DCAD timothy silage on dry cows. Six nonlactating and nonpregnant Holstein cows were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square. Treatments were 1) control diet (DCAD = 232 mEq/kg of dry matter, DM); 2) low-DCAD diet using a low-DCAD timothy silage (LDTS; DCAD = −21 mEq/kg of DM); and 3) low-DCAD diet using a fermentation by-product (LDBP; DCAD = −32 mEq/kg of DM). Differences between dietary treatments were considered statistically significant at P ≤ 0.05 and tendencies were noted when 0.05 < P < 0.10. Compared with the control, feeding LDTS tended to decrease DM intake (10.6 vs. 12.5 kg/d) and decreased urinary pH (6.15 vs. 8.18) as well as apparent digestibility of DM (67 vs. 69%). Blood pH (7.37 vs. 7.42), HCO₃⁻ (25.3 vs. 27.5 mM), and base excess (0.4 vs. 3.1 mM) were decreased, and blood Cl⁻ (29.6 vs. 29.1 mg/dL) was increased. Apparently absorbed Na and Cl were higher and apparently absorbed K, P, and digested ADF were lower for LDTS compared with the control. Both LDTS and LDBP resulted in similar DM intake. Urinary pH tended to be higher (6.15 vs. 5.98) and percentage of digested DM was lower (67 vs. 70%) with LDTS compared with LDBP. Blood ionized Ca (5.3 vs. 5.4 mg/dL) tended to be lower and blood Cl⁻ (29.6 vs. 30.1 mg/dL) was lower, whereas blood pH (7.37 vs. 7.33), HCO₃⁻ (25.3 vs. 21.5 mM), and base excess (0.4 vs. −3.8 mM) were higher with LDTS compared with LDBP. Apparent absorption of Na, Cl, S, and P, as well as apparent digestion of acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and N were lower, and K, Cl, S, P, Mg, and N were less retained with LDTS compared with LDBP. Results confirm that low-DCAD timothy silage can be used to produce a compensated metabolic acidosis by decreasing the DCAD of rations served to nonlactating dairy cows.