Sodium Bicarbonate
Sodium bicarbonate is used to treat acid indigestion and used to treat metabolic acidosis and is used as a buffering agent for the rumen. Sodium bicarbonate or sodium hydrogen carbonate is the chemical compound with the formula NaHCO3. Sodium bicarbonate is a white solid that is crystalline but often appears as a fine powder. Sodium bicarbonate has many related names such as baking soda, bread soda, cooking soda, bicarbonate of soda or shortened to sodium bicarb, bicarb soda, or simply bicarb. Typical Analysis Appearance White granular Purity 99.1% min Na2CO3 0.7% max NaC1 0.5% max SO4-2 0.03% max Water Insolubles 0.05% max Particle Size +75 micron 20 - 90 % Particle Size +45 micron 60 - 100 % The benefits of feeding Sodium bicarbonate to ruminants Optimal rumen function is essential in order to maximise performance as well as allowing maximum utilisation of low cost forages. Rumen function can be impaired by feeding high cereal rations, acidic silages, short chop forage and starchy forages which in turn can lead to impaired digestion, reduced intakes and poor performance (e.g. reduced butterfat). Feeding Sodium bicarbonate assists the saliva in its buffering capacity, thus reducing the risk of large drops in rumen pH which can lead to acidosis. This is practically demonstrated with: Improved forage intakes Effective fibre digestion Higher milk yields Enhanced milk quality, increased butterfat Improved feed conversion and liveweight gain Usage Recommendations For ruminants Sodium bicarbonate can be added to either the concentrate or forage part of the ration. Dairy cows 200-250g/cow/d Beef cattle 1-1.5% diet inclusion (cereal based ration) or 100-150 g/head/d (silage based ration) Sheep 2% diet inclusion (intensive lamb) or 50 g/ewe/d (ewes on silage) Storage / Processi Continue reading >>
Importance Of Lamb Nutrition Management To Avoid Acidosis Back »
Written collaboratively by Nicole Schwebach and Jeff Held. Acidosis (also known as lactic acidosis, grain overload, over-eating or grain poisoning) is a metabolic condition that most commonly occurs with lambs offered grain based diets, but can affect mature sheep. Over-consumption of grain causes excess production of lactic acid in the rumen resulting in pH levels falling below the threshold to maintain microbial bacteria populations and normal rumen function. Since acidosis is not an infectious or contagious disease, it is one of the easier conditions to control since it is dependent on nutrition management decisions. Nutrition management related to starch intake from feed grains is the primary cause of acidosis in fed lambs. The key risk factors for acidosis involving management are abrupt shifts in the amount and rate of starch break down, and improper transition from fiber to starch based diets. Typically lambs are offered growing/finishing diets as grain + pelleted lamb supplement or mixed diets on a self-fed basis, it is expected that either practice results in excellent lamb growth and health. To meet these expectations feeding management must be consistent by having feed access at all times and minimize changes in the physical form of the dietary ingredients. For intensively managed farm flock systems transition from creep to growing/finishing diets is generally seamless; however for lambs reared on pasture it is critical to properly transition lambs from their fiber based diet to those with high levels of starch. An inadequate transition period to starch based diets is a most common cause of lamb acidosis. Observations of acidosis are generally noted 12 to 48 hours following a disruption in good nutrition management. Common signs to look for are loose stools, Continue reading >>
How To Treat Acidosis In Cattle
Items you will need Sodium bicarbonate 12% formaldehyde Magnesium oxide Charcoal Plastic container Stomach tube Ruminant animals, such as cattle, are adapted to feed primarily on forage. However, in order to increase milk production and growth rates, large amounts of grain are fed to them. A large increase in a calf’s high carbohydrate grain ration can cause overproduction of lactic acid in the rumen, resulting in acidosis, which is too much acid in the calf’s body. Environmental conditions, such as mud, heat and storms, can force cattle to eat greater amounts of grain during the night, instead of proportionate amounts throughout the day. Additionally, feedlot design and watering systems can affect the feeding patterns of the herd. Acidosis can be divided into acute and sub-acute acidosis. Diagnosis Extract ruminal fluid with a stomach tube approximately two to four hours after a grain feeding. Test a cross section of calves’ pH with a pH meter or pH indicator paper. If the pH of more than 25 percent of the tested calves is less than 5.5, then the herd is considered to be at high risk for acidosis. Consider that other factors, such as feed management, herd health problems and feed mixtures, should also be considered in the diagnosis. Treatment Call your veterinarian immediately if your calf shows signs of acidosis. Fast action may be needed to save your calf from acute acidosis or prevent founder, which is a metabolic and vascular disease that involves the inner sensitive structures of the feet. Mix 500 grams of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), 850 cc of 12 percent formaldehyde, which kills the multiplying bacteria, 20 grams of magnesium oxide and 40 grams of charcoal, according to Oklahoma State. Place the mixture in a plastic container, and mix well. Add enough Continue reading >>
Assess And Treat Calf Diarrhea
Diarrhea increases the loss of electrolytes and water in the feces of calves and decreases milk intake. This results in dehydration, strong ion acidosis, electrolyte abnormalities (usually decreased sodium and increased or decreased potassium), increased D-lactate concentrations, and a negative energy balance (from anorexia and malabsorption of nutrients). Therefore diarrhea is by far the most common indication for fluid therapy in neonatal calves. Geof Smith, DVM, MS, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, North Carolina State University, says we see some diarrhea in young calves (around 5 days of age) but it seems like the majority of cases are 7–14 days of age. "There"s a magic window for diarrhea on many dairy farms right around day 8–10," he says. "You can have diarrhea in older calves but once we make it past 2 weeks most farms seem to do okay." (see "Treatment decision tree," under Practice tips.) Best methods for assessment The most accurate methods for assessment of dehydration in calves are eyeball recession into the orbit and skin tent duration in the neck region. Smith says to gently evert the lower eyelid and estimate the recession of the globe into the orbit. Skin elasticity is best measured on the lateral side of the midcervical area by pinching a fold of skin, rotating it 90', and measuring the time for the skinfold to disappear. Smith adds all other methods of assessment are inferior to these two methods. Those methods include things like mucous membrane color or dryness (how they feel), capillary refill time and packed cell volume (PCV). "These are things commonly used in horses and small animals but don"t seem to work well in calves," he explains. The best laboratory test is change in plasma protein concentration, which he says is better than hematocrit. Based on phys Continue reading >>
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Acidosis
Acidosis is also known as toxic indigestion. It occurs when a high proportion of concentrate (carbohydrates) is fed in the ration, either acutely or chronically. Signs: Signs may include depression, lack of appetite, bloat, lack of rumination, staggering, diarrhea or lack of manure, muscle twitching, and teeth grinding. Severe rumen acidosis can be accompanied by systemic and often fatal acidosis. Respiratory distress, shock, cardiovascular collapse, coma, seizures and death occur in severe cases. Treatment: Administer 2 to 3 ounces of sodium bicarbonate by mouth, which will help neutralize acid in the rumen. Magnesium hydroxide or magnesium oxide can also be used to neutralize rumen acid. Encourage consumption of long-stemmed grass hay and water. Many animals with acidosis will require IV fluids to survive. Antibiotics will help prevent secondary bacterial overgrowth with undesirable organisms. Thiamin treatment is recommended because polioencephalomalacia is a potential sequela. Anti-inflammatories will help prevent toxicity and founder. Probiotics should be administered to replace the beneficial rumen organisms that have been killed due to low rumen pH. If a goat is showing clinical signs of this disease, a veterinarian should be called to administer proper treatment due to the seriousness of the illness, complicated treatment and number of possible severe complications. Control/Prevention: Control consists of gradual introduction of goats to grain. If goats are being fed a high-concentrate diet, distribute grain over three or more meals per day, at 2 to 3 pounds per meal. Feed whole grains instead of finely-ground grains and dry grain instead of wet. Feed roughage before grain, first thing in the morning. Supplement with bicarbonate of soda or calcium carbonate and Continue reading >>
Keep Sodium Bicarbonate For Buffering In Dairy Cow Rations
The modern dairy cow has a greater capacity to digest feedstuffs and convert them into milk. The genetic potential of modern dairy cows for milk production is a true balancing acts between level of milk production and supply of additional nutrients to the small intestine. Maximizing rumen fermentation increases VFA production, providing more energy and microbial protein. Still greater fermentation leads to more acid production decreasing the rumen pH. Rumen Ecosystem Dairy Cows must have a healthy rumen environment in order to achieve maximal milk production and for good health. When the rumen environment becomes impaired feed digestion is weakened and a number of metabolic diseases may occur. The rumen microbial population is the central component of the rumen ecosystem. The rumen is essentially a fermentation chamber, where pH is the central issue to a healthy flow in microbial population, stable for fiber and feed intake to be digested at a maximal rate with a pH range from 6.2 to 6.8. When the rumen pH falls below 6, fiber digestion diminishes and dry matter intake declines from a considerable loss in endogenous enzyme functionality and a drop in microbial yield and effectiveness. Modern dairy cows increase the challenges to maintain rumen pH. Relatively high grain rations are fed today for various reasons. The modern dairy cow is genetically superior for its capability to maintain levels of high production and performance cost effectively by elevated nutrient density through increased grain proportions providing necessary energy. However, a consistent reliance upon finely chopped, fermented feeds, and increased grains, retards rumen fermentation by decreased pH. Effects of Buffers/Alkalizes Buffers and alkalis are compounds, which in aqueous solution help resist ch Continue reading >>
Horsemen Feed Baking Soda For Varying Reasons
By Denise Steffanus Horsemen’s forums on the Internet abound with misinformation. One topic often discussed is daily feeding of sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda. Horsemen who train performance horses, and in particular racehorses, know that administering a large dose of sodium bicarbonate (about 18 ounces in a slurry of electrolytes, sugar, and water) can boost performance. Called a “milkshake,” it is given to a horse via nasogastric tube about six hours before a race to increase stamina by buffering lactic acid in muscles. Milkshakes are banned from racing, and trainers who use them suffer stiff penalties. But a segment of horsemen, both on the farm and on the racetrack, use a small amount of baking soda – one or two tablespoons – as a daily tonic. Reasons they give for doing this range from preventing a horse from tying up to improving the horse’s disposition. Warnings against its use include interference with digestion, colic, or sudden cardiac death. Few claims are true. Sodium bicarbonate is an alkalizing agent. When used on a daily basis, it is mixed in the horse’s feed or water. Most commonly, those who use it hope the baking soda will prevent ulcers by buffering acid in the horse’s digestive system, or help a horse get over the rigors of training by buffering lactic acid that accumulates in its muscles after a gallop or workout. Humans can identify lactic acid as the “burn” you feel when your muscles tire. Baking soda to buffer acid in the gut Dr. Joe Pagan, equine nutritionist and founder of Kentucky Equine Research, has studied the effects of sodium bicarbonate as a feed additive, particularly to treat hindgut acidosis by buffering excess acid in the large intestine. Horses suffering from hindgut acidosis may develop anorexia, colic, wood Continue reading >>
Consultant's Corner: My Show Steers Are Not Eating Very Well During The Day, But Eating A Lot At Night, And Are Developing Very Runny Manure. Should I Be Concerned?
Yes, you should be concerned. Your calves are showing the first signs of acidosis, a condition where the rumen becomes too acidic because of the level of starch being metabolized by the rumen microorganisms. Right now your calves are just showing the first signs of acidosis. Most likely it is being caused by the different consumption levels which are being caused by the heat. As the average daily temperature rises above 68 degrees Fahrenheit, ruminant animals begin to decrease their feed intake. When temperatures get to extremes, like we have experienced this July, they don’t want to eat very much during the heat of the day. If the feed is available, ruminants will try to make up for it when the temperature cools off in the evening and night. This results in a low level of starch intake during the day followed by a much larger intake of starch at night. It’s the larger intake at night that is causing the problem. The solution to the problem is to try to find a way to reduce the acidity of the rumen, or even out their day and night feed consumption. To reduce the acidity of the rumen, you can either reduce the grain content of the diet or add something to the diet that will counteract the acidity in the rumen, such as sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Decreasing the grain content is the better idea, unless you need the calves to gain a rate the requires more grain in their diet. Using sodium bicarbonate, free choice if they will eat it that way, or top-dressed on the feed if they won’t, can reduce the acidity in cases where the acidosis is early and not too severe. It won’t help enough if the acidosis is severe. Trying to even out their day and night eating levels is another way to control acidosis. The simplest to reduce the night feeding level is to not allow t Continue reading >>
Sodium Bicarbonate
Summary All Essential Benefits/Effects/Facts & Information Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is a supplement that provides dietary bicarbonate, which can increase serum levels of bicarbonate (normally produced by the kidneys) and subsequently buffer acid production in the body. The main mechanism of action of sodium bicarbonate is in negating the effects of acidosis. It provides benefits both in situations of chronic mild acidosis, commonly seen in metabolic ailments or during aging as kidney function slowly declines, and in exercise-induced acidosis. In athletes, the standard doses of sodium bicarbonate supplementation (200-300 mg/kg) tend to reliably benefit performance when failure on the exercise is associated with metabolic acidosis, aka “the burn.” Sports where failure occurs due to the cardiorespiratory system or due to force production by the central nervous system (e.g., single sprints or rowing in elite rowers) do not appear to reliably benefit from supplemental bicarbonate. Benefits of sodium bicarbonate can be observed with a single dose taken 60-90 minutes before exercise, but supplementation should be approached cautiously as it can cause gastrointestinal side effects if too much is taken at once or, if it’s consumed too rapidly. Additionally, 5 g of sodium bicarbonate taken daily appears to be somewhat effective in reducing acidosis induced by the diet or the aging process (although using potassium bicarbonate appears to be better), and therefore it may reduce the rate of bone loss over time in susceptible populations. There are mechanisms in place for sodium bicarbonate to be a fat-burning agent (it increases ketone production and lipolysis and causes a minor increase in metabolic rate), but these have not yet been linked to actual weight loss in tr Continue reading >>
Use Of Sodium Bicarbonate, Offered Free Choice Or Blended Into The Ration, To Reduce The Risk Of Ruminal Acidosis In Cattle
A study was conducted to determine whether feeding sodium bicarbonate (SB) reduces the risk of subacute ruminal acidosis in cattle fed high concentrate feedlot finishing diets. The experiment was conducted as a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with two squares and 2-wk periods. Three mature, non-lactating Holstein cows were allocated to square 1 and three mature Jersey steers were allocated to square 2. The cattle were ruminally cannulated and gradually adapted to a high concentrate diet before starting the experiment. The basal diet contained approximately 80% stream-rolled barley, on a dry matter (DM) basis, and was offered for ad libitum intake. Treatments were: control (no SB), control diet with cattle given free choice access to a SB mixture consisting of 70% SB and 30% dried molasses (free choice SB), and control diet supplemented with SB (7 g SB kg-1 DM; mixed SB). Ruminal pH was measured at the end of each 14-d period for 3 continuous days using an indwelling pH system. Dry matter intake (DMI) was not affected by treatment. However, SB intake depended upon type of cattle and method of provision (P = 0.04); cows had higher SB intake when it was mixed into the diet (57.8 vs. 17.4 g d-1), whereas steers had higher SB intake when SB was provided free choice (129.1 vs. 56.1 g d-1). Ruminal pH characteristics (mean, maximum, minimum, hours, and area under a threshold pH of 5.8 or 5.5) were not affected by treatment. Although neither method of delivering SB reduced the total time each day that pH was below the pH thresholds used to indicate subacute ruminal acidosis, the number of long (> 4 h) continuous bouts of acidosis (pH ≤ 5.8) was reduced (P = 0.01) when SB was mixed into the ration compared with the control. When offered free choice, intake of SB was high Continue reading >>
Rumen Acidosis
Managing disease can be a frustrating proposition. This Guide can help you identify which disease is damaging your cattle. Rumen acidosis is a metabolic disease of cattle. Like most metabolic diseases it is important to remember that for every cow that shows clinical signs, there will be several more which are affected sub-clinically. Acidosis is said to occur when the pH of the rumen falls to less than 5.5 (normal is 6.5 to 7.0). In many cases the pH can fall even lower. The fall in pH has two effects. Firstly, the rumen stops moving, becoming atonic. This depresses appetite and production. Secondly, the change in acidity changes the rumen flora, with acid-producing bacteria taking over. They produce more acid, making the acidosis worse. The increased acid is then absorbed through the rumen wall, causing metabolic acidosis, which in severe cases can lead to shock and death. Cause The primary cause of acidosis is feeding a high level of rapidly digestible carbohydrate, such as barley and other cereals. Acute acidosis, often resulting in death, is most commonly seen in ‘barley beef’ animals where cattle have obtained access to excess feed. In dairy cattle, a milder form, sub-acute acidosis, is seen as a result of feeding increased concentrates compared to forage. Symptoms Acute acidosis often results in death, although illness and liver abscesses may be seen before hand. Cattle may become depressed, go off feed, have an elevated heart rate or diarrhea. Sub-acute: Reduced feed intake Poor body condition and weight loss Unexplained diarrhoea Temperature Pulse rate and respiratory rate may rise Lethargy Treatment Because subacute ruminal acidosis is not detected at the time of depressed ruminal pH, there is no specific treatment for it. Secondary conditions may be treat Continue reading >>
Grocery Store Baking Soda. A Source Of Sodium Bicarbonate In The Management Of Chronic Metabolic Acidosis.
Abstract Oral sodium bicarbonate is used to treat metabolic acidosis in patients with renal tubular acidosis. Since infants and young children are unable to swallow tablets, those affected must ingest sodium bicarbonate in a powder or liquid form. Pharmacy-weighed sodium bicarbonate is expensive and inconvenient to obtain; some pharmacists are reluctant to provide it. We determined that the sodium bicarbonate contained in 8-oz boxes of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda was sufficiently constant in weight that, dissolved in water to a given volume, it yielded a quantitatively acceptable therapeutic solution of sodium bicarbonate at a cost of approximately 3 percent of that of pharmacy-weighed sodium bicarbonate. Grocery store baking soda can be a safe, economical, and convenient source of sodium bicarbonate for the treatment of chronic metabolic acidosis in infants and young children. Continue reading >>
Baking Soda For Ruminant Bloat, Or How My Ram Cheats Death
My first experience with bloat happened the very first morning that I had sheep. Actually it was the very first morning that I had a sheep, as in the first one we ever had here at the farm. Nigel, our East Friesian dairy ram, was two months old when we brought him home. I wanted to start my own dairy sheep herd, and I was lucky enough to find this ram only a couple of hours away. He was our first sheep, and I suppose he is fortunate to have survived this long with that dubious distinction. After we brought him home, we put him in the barn, which was wide open and had no stalls. We installed some temporary chicken wire as Nigel's stall, and felt okay about it as we left for the evening. He was just a little baby sheep, surely he would be fine until morning. When I went out to check on the little guy the next morning, I found him lying down and severely bloated. He had smashed through the chicken wire (a bit of foreshadowing here regarding his behavior), and had gotten into the bag of sheep feed, that we of course had not locked up because we thought he was secure. The lesson we learned at this point; NEVER leave any food out, no matter how secure you think your animals are. Frantic that I had killed my very first farm animal, I called around trying to find a vet in my area that knew anything about sheep. Not an easy thing to find where we live. Most people where we live keep goats; VERY few keep sheep. I finally found a veterinarian (who would not come out), who told me to give him nothing but prairie hay for the next week, and hope for the best. That's it???!!!! Surely there was something else I could do! My husband ran to the farm supply store and brought back drenching equipment, tubing equipment, bloat treatments, anything and everything he could find that might help Continue reading >>
Intensive Feeding Leads To Rumen Acidosis – Animal Health
Feedlot operators lose millions of dollars a year from rumen acidosis, a disease brought on by the intensive feeding practices used to fatten cattle. Though some operators think acidosis is a serious disease that causes rapid death, most cases are subclinical, silently eating away at profits. The rumen, which is analogous to a large fermentation vat, works best when it is continuously supplied with forage. Rumen microbes have an active metabolism that converts this form of feed into nutrients that can be readily used. These micro-organisms don’t adjust easily to dietary changes, especially a shift to rations with too much carbohydrate and not enough forage. Because rumen microbes rapidly digest the carbohydrates in grain, large amounts of lactic acid are released into the rumen. Ground feed is broken down faster than whole grain so acid production is even higher. Lactic acid eats away at the rumen wall. As the surface becomes eroded, bacteria and moulds invade and cause infection. If these organisms burrow deeper, they enter blood vessels and migrate to the liver where they stimulate abscess formation. The high quantities of lactic acid can also be absorbed into the blood stream, affecting the body’s pH level. When a sufficient quantity of acid is produced and absorbed, blood pH can drop, sending the animal into shock. Sometimes, these events happen so rapidly that an animal can die without exhibiting signs of illness. In most cases, however, symptoms develop more slowly. The first sign is rapid breathing combined with a high heart rate. This can initially be confused with almost any infectious disease, but cattle with acidosis do not have fevers. As well, acidosis-affected animals often have a profuse watery diarrhea containing undigested feed. As more lactic acid Continue reading >>
Battling Bloat
Baking soda isn’t a magical cure-all for goats. Anyone with a hobby goat will invariably be told to feed it baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) at some point. It’s promoted as a cure for everything from bloat to urinary stones. Most of the time, this advice is misplaced. Let’s discuss what the function of baking soda is and what it does and doesn’t do. Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) is a biochemical that buffers the rumen. What this simply means is that it keeps the rumen pH stable. This is important because the microbes that digest hay thrive in a pH of 6.0-6.8 while grain-digesting microbes thrive at a pH of 5.5-6.0 so we need to keep rumen pH within a narrow window for rumen health. Also, pH directly affects the ability to absorb certain nutrients. So, yes, sodium bicarbonate is very beneficial. But what most people don’t realize is that the ruminant animal produces its own sodium bicarbonate in the saliva without being fed baking soda. During the act of cud chewing, copious amounts of bicarbonate are transferred into the rumen. Goats fed long-stem forages (grazing pastures or receiving hay) will produce more saliva (and thus bicarbonate) than goats fed grains or finely ground hay that don’t require cud chewing. Since goats rarely have an issue with rumen pH being too high, we will focus on the issues occuring when it drops too low. This condition is called acidosis. When rumen pH drops, a vicious cycle begins. As the pH drops, the grain-digesting microbes thrive while the fiber-digesting microbes do poorly. One of the by-products of grain digestion is lactic acid. So the more grain these microbes digest, the more acid is produced and the lower pH goes. Eventually, the pH drops so low the microbes die and the rumen stops contracting. Rumen contractions normally Continue reading >>
