Characterization of limestones and their effects in vitro and in vivo in dairy cattle

Capacities of limestones of differing particle size to neutralize acid in vitro and to modify pH and utilization of feedstuffs in vivo were compared. Acid neutralization during pH-stat titrations was faster for fine than for coarse limestone, and mixed microbial cultures were more resistant to pH change when they contained fine calcium carbonate. Diets containing 25:75 corn silage to concentrates and .95% calcium from either coarse or fine limestone were fed to rumen-fistulated heifers. Total ruminal volatile fatty acid concentrations were higher for the fine limestone treatment. Ruminal volumes, dry matter disappearance, and ruminal fluid pH and dilution rate did not differ between fine and coarse limestone treatments. Ruminal fluid volume, osmolality, ratios of acetate to propionate, and concentrations of total volatile fatty acids were unaffected in rumen-fistulated Holstein cows fed 60:40 corn silage to concentrates and either .5% calcium (control) or 1.0% calcium from either coarse or fine limestone. Ruminal pH increased .07 to .10 units with limestone supplementation. Ruminal fluid dilution and particulate turnover rates were slower for the coarse limestone than the control treatment. Differences between coarse and fine limestones in vitro were observed under some conditions in vivo, but they were not consistent.