Dietary magnesium oxide interactions with sodium bicarbonate on cows in early lactation

Thirty-six Holstein cows were fed a diet of 50% concentrate and 50% corn silage (dry matter) for 12 wk postpartum. Treatments were 0, .4, and .8% magnesium oxide with or without .8% sodium bicarbonate in a 2 X 3 factorial arrangement. Dry matter intake was not different among treatments although the combined buffers had higher intake. Milk production was higher for the .4% magnesium oxide treatments either alone or with sodium bicarbonate as compared with either the 0 or .8% magnesium oxide treatments. Ruminal pH was increased with addition of sodium bicarbonate either alone or together with magnesium oxide. Dietary addition of .4% magnesium oxide either alone or with sodium bicarbonate increased total volatile fatty acid in ruminal fluid. Propionate and valerate were depressed in both of the combined buffered diets. Fecal pH was increased with magnesium oxide addition either alone or with sodium bicarbonate. Increasing magnesium oxide increased magnesium in plasma. No interactions in animal performance were significant for the two buffers.