Why pH matters

In preparing animals for the feeding period, the induction process onto grain is a crucial but risky step. 

Issues during this phase can be costly and compounding because induction disrupts the stability of the rumen environment, affecting pH levels and placing a metabolic burden on the animal. If not done correctly, it can lead to reduced performance, lower productivity, increased welfare concerns, and extended time on feed for the animals. The stability of pH and fermentation patterns directly correlates with the financial success of the farmer.

The below video animation presents the results of a trial conducted at the University of New England (UNE) in 2019, by Professor Roger Hegarty.

The trial assessed the efficacy of ProTect, an antibiotic-free vitamin and mineral premix, in comparison to a control group fed an industry-standard medicated premix containing ionophores. The data and statistical analysis are sourced from the University of New England.

The trial involved ten Angus steers, with five in each group, fitted with inter-ruminal pH boluses to capture raw data. UNE plotted a time series tracking rumen pH variability using ten-minute readings 24 hours a day for 36 days. These readings covered four successive feeding regimes, each with an increasing percentage of barley.

The analysis involved over 51,000 unique data points, revealing fluctuations in rumen pH, animal circadian rhythms, and inter-animal variability. Columns represented the range of data between the 25th and 75th percentiles, with dots indicating outliers. Longer columns and more distant dots indicated greater variability among the five animals in a group.

Comparing the pH changes over time, the top graph seen in the video illustrates the five cattle fed the ProTect diet, while the bottom graph depicts cattle fed the standard rumen modifier. During the initial seven days on the starter ration with 45 percent (pc) barley, significant pH variability is evident, impacting animal performance when outside the optimal range.

On day eight, as the barley percentage increases to 56 pc, both groups show the greatest variation and lowest pH level in the two days following the dietary change. Further, on day 15, with a diet comprising 67 pc barley, the ProTect group displays a tighter range of pH banding and significantly reduced rumen variability.

Key takeaways from the trial include:

• ProTect-fed livestock exhibiting a more stable rumen pH compared to the control group. Maintaining optimal rumen pH for a higher proportion of the time enhances digestive efficiency.
• Fluctuations in pH outside the optimal range increase the metabolic burden on animals, diverting energy and nutrients meant for growth and production towards managing homeostasis.
  
• Detecting subclinical acidosis within animals is challenging, and by the time symptoms manifest, it is often too late. ProTect's consistent maintenance of rumen pH within the optimal range results in increased digestive efficiency, while fluctuations outside this range redirect energy and nutrients from growth and production to managing homeostasis.
• Clinical acidosis may manifest as dead animals, impacting gross margins, whereas subclinical acidosis appears in the profit and loss at the end of the year.

This article was written by ProAgni for Seasons magazine.

_{Please note: this article contains information of a general nature, and does not take into account your personal objectives, situation or needs. Before acting on any information, you should consider the appropriateness of the information provided, and seek advice on whether it is fit for your circumstances.}