A Naturally Occurring Mineral as a Buffer in the Diet of Lactating Dairy Cows

In Experiment 1, 24 cows were used to compare the acceptance of concentrate mixtures containing 1) no buffer, 2) 1.5% sodium bicarbonate, or 3) 1.5% Alkaten (a naturally occurring mineral containing primarily sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate). During the 1st wk the cows fed Alkaten had sharply reduced concentrate intakes. By the 3rd wk, concentrate intakes were nearly equal among groups. Total feed consumption was equal by the 2nd wk because cows compensated by eating more forage.