DairyRumen HealthBuffers

Novine Buffer™ Rumen pH Buffer for Dairy Cows

Gentle, steady support for rumen pH.

Novine Buffer™ builds on sodium bicarbonate, the classic rumen buffer, and adds sodium carbonate and magnesium oxide. The three work at different speeds and at different pH levels, so the rumen gets help soon after a meal and again as acid keeps building up.

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< 5.6rumen pH for several hours a day is the threshold for subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA)
~1.6×theoretical acid-neutralizing capacity per gram of sodium carbonate vs sodium bicarbonate
100–150 gper lactating cow per day
Literature and theoretical values. Not a Novine Buffer™ trial result.

A Comfortable Rumen Works Better

A high-producing cow needs a lot of energy, so her ration is rich in starch and other fermentable carbohydrates. Rumen microbes ferment these into volatile fatty acids, and the more acid they make, the lower the pH falls [1,2]. The cow has her own defense. Chewing and rumination produce saliva, which carries bicarbonate and phosphate into the rumen [3,8]. Most of the time that is enough. On demanding rations, it sometimes is not.

When rumen pH stays below about 5.6 for several hours a day, the condition is called subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) [1,2]. Its effects are often quiet, but they are real:

  • Slower fiber digestion. Fiber-digesting bacteria slow down as pH drops toward and below 6.0 [5].
  • Lower milk fat. Changes in fermentation and fatty acid biohydrogenation can reduce milk fat [7].
  • Stress on the gut. Low pH is linked with the release of bacterial endotoxin (LPS) from the rumen and an inflammatory response [6].
  • Unsteady intake. Reduced or variable feed intake and loose manure are common herd-level signs [1,2].

Buffers do not replace good fiber and feeding management. What they do is give the rumen a little extra help where the diet is demanding [8,9].

How it works

Three Buffers, Three Speeds

01

Respond soon after the meal.

02

Neutralize more acid per gram.

03

Keep working a little longer.

ComponentRoleWhat happens
Sodium bicarbonateThe classic rumen bufferDissolves readily and buffers best close to its pKa of about 6.1, which sits in the working range of the rumen [8,15].
Sodium carbonateA stronger alkaliTakes up two H⁺ per mole instead of one. On a weight basis its theoretical acid-neutralizing capacity is about 1.6 times that of sodium bicarbonate [15].
Magnesium oxideSlow-release alkalizer and magnesium sourceDissolves slowly, and more as pH falls, so its action lasts longer. It also supplies magnesium [12,14].
How sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate and magnesium oxide respond as rumen pH falls from 7.0 to 5.0
Figure 1. How the three buffers respond as rumen pH falls (schematic, after [8,15]).

Who does what?

GoalMain componentMain mechanism
Quick response after feedingSodium bicarbonateRapid dissolution; buffers near pH 6.1 [8,15]
More neutralizing power per gramSodium carbonateTwo H⁺ taken up per mole [15]
A longer-lasting effectMagnesium oxideSlow dissolution that increases as pH falls [12]
Mineral supplyAll threeSodium and magnesium are essential dietary minerals [14]

Why combine them?

Sodium bicarbonate dissolves quickly, so its effect is strongest soon after feeding. Sodium carbonate adds neutralizing power, and magnesium oxide adds a slower, more sustained component [8,9,12]. Together they cover more of the time and pH range over which the rumen needs support.

The science

Solubility and Release: Why Speed Matters

Plain sodium bicarbonate dissolves readily: about 9.6 g per 100 g of water at 20 °C and 12.7 g at 40 °C, close to rumen temperature [17]. Fast dissolution is useful, and it also means the buffering effect is concentrated soon after feeding. Sodium carbonate is more soluble still. Magnesium oxide is the opposite. It is poorly soluble in water, but it dissolves more as pH falls, so it keeps working later as the rumen acidifies [12,17].

This is why Novine Buffer™ is not designed to “dissolve more” than sodium bicarbonate. It is designed to release its buffering power over a longer window.

A: water solubility of sodium bicarbonate (9.6), sodium carbonate (21.5) and magnesium oxide (about 0.001) in g per 100 g water. B: theoretical acid-neutralizing capacity per gram relative to sodium bicarbonate: 1.0, 1.6 and 4.2
Figure 2. Literature values for the three salts: water solubility (A) and theoretical acid-neutralizing capacity per gram (B), calculated from molar mass [15,17].
A note on safety. Buffers add sodium and magnesium to the ration and raise its dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD). That is helpful for lactating cows, but not for close-up dry cows on a low-DCAD program [8]. Check total sodium and magnesium from all sources, mix the buffer evenly into the ration, and introduce it gradually. Cows should always have free access to clean water.
Evidence

Buffers and Rumen Conditions

Published work on buffers shows [2,8,10,16]:

A familiar toolSodium bicarbonate is widely used to lower the risk of SARA in high-concentrate rations [10].
Need follows the dietThe more fermentable carbohydrates in the ration, and the less effective fiber, the more a buffer has to offer [2,4].
Results depend on the rationOn well-balanced diets the response is smaller. In a recent trial, taking sodium bicarbonate out of a TMR did not change intake or milk yield [16].

Buffers, Intake and Milk Fat

Milk fat is one of the first things to respond when rumen conditions improve:

Low-forage rationsSodium bicarbonate may raise milk fat when the ration contains less than about 26% ADF [8].
A large evidence baseA statistical evaluation of 27 trials in early and mid lactation is the main reference for responses to sodium bicarbonate [10].
Buffer plus magnesium oxideCombinations of sodium bicarbonate and magnesium oxide have been studied in early-lactation cows for effects on production and rumen function [12,13].
Carbohydrate source mattersRumen fermentation and milk composition respond to both the type of carbohydrate and the buffer used [11].

Novine Buffer™ Rumen pH Buffer for Dairy Cows

A steady rumen supports steady intake, fiber digestion and milk fat. Novine Buffer™ combines three well-known buffering salts to give the rumen support at different speeds, so cows can use their ration more comfortably.

Products are not available in all countries. Permitted feeding levels may differ by region. Please contact your Filiz sales representative for details.

Novine Buffer™ Rumen Buffer

A powder rumen pH buffer for dairy cows. It combines sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate and magnesium oxide.

Dairy Cows
Active ingredientsSodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, magnesium oxide
FormPowder
Pack size25 kg bag
Shelf life6 months from production date
StorageStore dry at room temperature. Keep the bag closed after opening.

Recommended intake

GroupRecommended intake
Lactating dairy cows100 to 150 g per cow per day

Feeding instructions: Mix evenly into the TMR or concentrate, and bring cows up to the full amount over several days. Check that total sodium and magnesium intake from all sources stays within requirements and maximum levels. Ask your regional nutritionist for the final feeding level.

Resources

Novine Buffer™ Research at a Glance

What the literature says about each component

ComponentKey pointsRefs
Sodium bicarbonateThe standard rumen buffer. Works near its pKa of about 6.1. Response depends on forage content and ration type; milk fat may rise on low-forage rations.8–11, 16
Sodium carbonateA stronger alkali that takes up two H⁺ per mole, giving more theoretical neutralizing capacity per gram than bicarbonate. More soluble than bicarbonate.15, 17
Magnesium oxidePoorly soluble in water, but dissolves more as pH falls. Supplies magnesium. Studied with bicarbonate in early lactation.12–14, 17
SARA and the rumenMean pH below about 5.6 for several hours a day slows fiber digestion, lowers milk fat and stresses the gut.1–7

These are published studies on the individual components. They are not Novine Buffer™ trial results.

Planning Rumen Support with Novine Buffer™?

Tell us about your herd, your ration and your milk fat and rumination records. Our technical team will help you decide where a buffer fits.

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Sources (17 references)
  1. Plaizier JC, Krause DO, Gozho GN, McBride BW. Subacute ruminal acidosis in dairy cows: the physiological causes, incidence and consequences. Vet J. 2008; 176:21–31.
  2. Krause KM, Oetzel GR. Understanding and preventing subacute ruminal acidosis in dairy herds: a review. Anim Feed Sci Technol. 2006; 126:215–236.
  3. Allen MS. Relationship between fermentation acid production in the rumen and the requirement for physically effective fiber. J Dairy Sci. 1997; 80:1447–1462.
  4. Zebeli Q, Aschenbach JR, Tafaj M, Boguhn J, Ametaj BN, Drochner W. Invited review: role of physically effective fiber and estimation of dietary fiber adequacy in high-producing dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci. 2012; 95:1041–1056.
  5. Russell JB, Wilson DB. Why are ruminal cellulolytic bacteria unable to digest cellulose at low pH? J Dairy Sci. 1996; 79:1503–1509.
  6. Gozho GN, Plaizier JC, Krause DO, Kennedy AD, Wittenberg KM. Subacute ruminal acidosis induces ruminal lipopolysaccharide endotoxin release and triggers an inflammatory response. J Dairy Sci. 2005; 88:1399–1403.
  7. Bauman DE, Griinari JM. Nutritional regulation of milk fat synthesis. Annu Rev Nutr. 2003; 23:203–227.
  8. Erdman RA. Dietary buffering requirements of the lactating dairy cow: a review. J Dairy Sci. 1988; 71:3246–3266.
  9. Staples CR, Lough DS. Efficacy of supplemental dietary neutralizing agents for lactating dairy cows: a review. Anim Feed Sci Technol. 1989; 23:277–303.
  10. Hu W, Murphy MR. Statistical evaluation of early- and mid-lactation dairy cow responses to dietary sodium bicarbonate addition. Anim Feed Sci Technol. 2005; 119:43–54.
  11. Kennelly JJ, Robinson B, Khorasani GR. Influence of carbohydrate source and buffer on rumen fermentation characteristics, milk yield, and milk composition in early-lactation Holstein cows. J Dairy Sci. 1999;82:2486–2496.
  12. Erdman RA, Botts RL, Hemken RW, Bull LS. Effect of dietary sodium bicarbonate and magnesium oxide on production and physiology in early lactation. J Dairy Sci. 1980; 63:923–930.
  13. Rogers JA, Davis CL, Clark JH. Alteration of rumen fermentation, milk fat synthesis, and nutrient utilization with mineral salts in dairy cows. J Dairy Sci. 1982; 65:577–586.
  14. National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle. 7th rev. ed. Washington, DC: National Academies Press; 2001.
  15. Nelson DL, Cox MM. Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry. 8th ed. New York: W.H. Freeman; 2021.
  16. Espinoza D, Frank E, Portnik Y, Shaani Y, Ben Meir YA. Removing dietary sodium bicarbonate increases rumination time but does not affect intake or milk yield. J Dairy Res. 2024.
  17. Haynes WM, ed. CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 97th ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 2016 (aqueous solubility of inorganic compounds).