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Statistical modeling of ruminal pH parameters from dairy cows based on a meta-analysis
A Mensching1, J Hummel2, A R Sharifi1
1Animal Breeding and Genetics Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Integrated Breeding Research, University of Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany.
Journal of Dairy Science
|November 10, 2019
Summary
High-performance dairy cows require adequate feeding to prevent subacute ruminal acidosis. Milk fat, protein, and lactose content are key indicators for managing rumen pH and cow health.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Ruminant Nutrition
- Dairy Cattle Management
Background:
- Subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) is a common digestive disorder in high-performance dairy cows.
- SARA is characterized by low ruminal pH and poses risks to herd health and animal welfare.
- Effective management strategies are crucial to mitigate SARA and its consequences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between ventral rumen pH parameters and milk/diet composition using meta-analytical methods.
- To identify key milk and diet indicators predictive of subacute ruminal acidosis in lactating cows.
- To explore functional relationships between rumen pH and production parameters.
Main Methods:
- Meta-analysis of data from 32 studies involving continuous ventral rumen pH measurement in lactating cows.
- Application of multiple imputation for handling missing data, followed by multi-level mixed-effects meta-regression.
- Automated variable selection and multi-model inference to identify significant predictors from milk and diet parameters.
Main Results:
- Milk fat, protein, and their ratio showed significant associations with all three rumen pH parameters (daily mean pH, time below pH 5.8, pH range).
- Dietary components including acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, non-fiber carbohydrates, starch, and forage-to-concentrate ratio were significant predictors of rumen pH.
- Milk protein, fat, and lactose content were identified as the most effective indicators for quantifying associations with daily mean pH and time below pH 5.8.
Conclusions:
- Milk composition, particularly protein, fat, and lactose, provides valuable insights into rumen pH status in dairy cows.
- Dietary factors significantly influence rumen pH, highlighting the importance of tailored feeding strategies.
- Meta-analysis confirms the utility of milk and diet parameters for monitoring and managing subacute ruminal acidosis in dairy herds.
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