Urine pH to Monitor Anionic Salt Programs

Abstract

Anionic salts help prevent milk fever by causing a mild compensated metabolic acidosis. The acidosis also leads to acid urine. Dr. Jesse Goff of the National Animal Disease Laboratory in Ames, Iowa suggests closeup dry cow urinary pH values above 8 indicates cows that are at greater risk of milk fever. Values below 7.3 indicate decreased risk of milk fever. These values have not been well worked out and over interpretation should be avoided. However, if anionic salts are fed and the method of action is through a metabolic acidosis, it is reasonable to expect some level of aciduria.