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.;
Highlights
In earlier studies we have shown that inclusion of anionic salts in a concentrate mixture used to supplement grass silage during the dry period has improved dairy cow calcium (Ca) metabolism (Tauriainen et al 1998abc)
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of anionic salts on mineral metabolism and possible occurrence of udder oedema associated with feeding a diet based on concentrate, grass silage and hay during grazing
On the basis of the current study a visual method for the evaluation of udder oedema was more reliable than quantitative measurements, since the latter accounted for oedema spreading to the hind quarters, but not that towards the navel
Summary
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. Tauriainen, S. et al Effect of anionic salts on dry cows of the University of Helsinki. In earlier studies we have shown that inclusion of anionic salts in a concentrate mixture used to supplement grass silage during the dry period has improved dairy cow calcium (Ca) metabolism (Tauriainen et al 1998abc). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of anionic salts on mineral metabolism and possible occurrence of udder oedema associated with feeding a diet based on concentrate, grass silage and hay during grazing.
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