Effect of sodium bicarbonate on milk yield and milk composition of goats and on rumen fermentation of kids

Abstract

Eighteen goats and ten kids were used to assess effects of NaHCO 3 on milk yield and milk composition of Damascus goats, the rumen fermentation pattern and apparent digestion coefficients in Damascus kids. The bicarbonate diet caused an increase in FCM yield, milk fat content and total solids content of milk. There were no significant differences between diets in milk yield and ash content of milk, but the bicarbonate diet significantly reduced milk protein content. The addition of NaHCO 3 resulted in a significant increase in water intake, which was significantly correlated with dry matter intake. The presence of NaHCO 3 increased rumen pH and acetate, but decreased propionate molar proportions, and did not alter rumen volatile fatty acid concentration. There were no significant differences in rumen ammonia nitrogen concentration and urine pH. The addition of bicarbonate did not significantly alter digestibility coefficients, nitrogen retention and absorption but increased urinary and faecal sodium output significantly.