The effect of sodium bicarbonate on yield and composition of
milk from grazing cows in early lactation
V.R. Carruthers, A.M. Bryant
Dairying Research Corporation, Ruakura Agricultural Centre,
Private Bag, Hamilton, New Zealand
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production.
1991, 51: 437-442
Four trials in early to mid lactation investigated the effect of
supplementation with sodium bicarbonate on milk production from cows
grazing pasture. In Trial 1, 3 groups of 14 cows received 0, 100 g or
200 g NaHCO3/cow/day for 28 days. Trial 2 assessed whether any effects
of sodium carbonate were due to sodium by comparing no supplement, 200 g
NaHCO3/cow/day and 140 g NaC1 with three groups of 20 cows for 28 days.
In both trials treatments were administered by drenching at each
milking. Trial 3 assessed the importance of method of administration.
Treatments of no supplement, 100 g NaHCO3/cow/day by drenching at the
morning milking, or 100 g NaHCO3/cow/day in the drinking water were
administered to 3 groups of 20 cows, during three 21 day periods
according to a latin square design. Trial 4 compared rates of 0, 50,
and 100 g NaHCO3 via drinking water with 3 groups of 18 cows for 21
days.
In Trial 1 milk yield and protein yield were significantly reduced
(P<0.10) by drenching 200g NaHCO3/day, compared to the control cows
(14.,7 vs 15.3 kg milk/cow/day). The lower dose rate did not affect
milk yield or composition. In Trials 2 and 4, none of the treatments
significantly affected milk solid yields. Milk, protein and lactose
yields from cows on the trough treatment were higher than those for
control and drenched cows in Trial 3. Plasma magnesium was lower in
drenched cows than in control or trough treatment cows.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
Dairy cows; milk production; sodium bicarbonate; pasture; trough
treatment; drenching
Download abstract in text format
Last Updated 25-01-1997
