The rumen buffering system of sheep fed pelleted roughage–concentrate rations

Abstract

1. Three wethers fitted with permanent rumen cannulas were given a pelleted roughage–concentrate ration containing 45% ground barley straw as roughage. The animals were given 1 kg of the diet at 08.00 h and 500 g at 17.00 h.2. The measurements made to determine the buffering components of the rumen fluid were: rumen pH, buffering capacity value (β), total volatile fatty acids (VFA), CO₂and inorganic phosphorus concentrations.βwas expressed as the quantity of titrant (m-equiv./l.) required to bring about 2 unit changes in rumen fluid pH. The pH ranges in which theβvalues were measured were 4–6, 5–7 and 6–8. All measurements were made at hourly intervals over a 9 h period commencing 1 h before feeding.3. Rumen pH values were high before feeding, decreased to a minimum 2 h after feeding and then increased to approximately the original values. The concentrations of total VFA followed an inverse pattern. There was diurnal variation in the concentrations of CO₂but inorganic P levels varied very little throughout the day.4. Significant correlations were obtained between VFA, inorganic P and CO₂levels and theβvalues. It would appear that the bicarbonate and phosphate buffers were not effective in regulating the rumen pH when sheep were given a roughage–concentrate ration.