Effect of feeding sodium bicarbonate on rumen fermentation and efficiency of microbial protein synthesis in Buffaloes

Abstract

Three rumen fistulated buffaloes were used to assess the effects of sodium bicarbonate inclusion in their basal diet on rumen water kinetics, rumen fermentation and bacterial protein synthesis. The basal diet consisted of 60% concentrate and40% chopped wheat straw. Sodium bicarbonate increased voluntary water consumption, rumen volume, dilution rate and total outflow rate of rumen. Higher ruminal pH was associated with lower concentration of ruminal TVFA and NH3-N on supplementation with NaHCO3 on one hand and increased blood glucose and microbial protein synthesis in rumen on the other. The total ciliate protozoa population and Entodinia spp. were lower, while Holotrich population was higher in response to sodium bicarbonate. It may be concluded that incorporation of sodium bicarbonate in the diet altered ruminal dilution rate and improved efficiency of microbial protein synthesis. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.