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Are Your Anionic Salts Working?Milk fever, caused by low levels of calcium in the bloodstream of the cow, is a problem you can live without at calving time. By news@gippsland - 7th June 2006 - Back to News Anionic salts are now commonly fed to the springers as a preventative, but the results are not always as good as expected. The easiest way of telling whether your anionic salt regime is working is to test the urine pH of a number of cows. pH testing strips are available from laboratory supply firms, or ask your vet.
Anionic salts may help to slightly acidify the blood of the cow, which results in calcium being released from the bones and into the bloodstream. It is necessary to feed the salts for about two weeks prior to calving to achieve this effect.
The pH of the blood is reflected in the pH of the urine. A urine pH of 6 – 6.5 must be achieved if the anionic salts are to have an effect on calcium levels in the blood. A pH level lower than this may endanger the health of the cow, however a pH higher than 6.5 means the anionic salts are ineffective.
The effect of anionic salts is much reduced if the cows are fed a diet that contains a lot of potassium or sodium. Consequently springers should not be fed pastures, hay and silage from paddocks with high potassium levels, and bicarb should not be fed as it is high in sodium. If the springers are receiving enough grain to put them at risk of acidosis then a rumen modifier such as Eskalin should be used. Molasses often has a high potassium level so it should also be avoided in springer diets.
For further information on transition cow management contact your local DPI Dairy Extension Officer.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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