Four fistulated Holstein heifers and four wethers were used in a Latin square experiment to determine the effect of adding Ca(OH)2, Na2CO3 or NaHCO3 to a pelleted high-concentrate diet on voluntary intake. In all cases, the alkali supplements significantly (P<0.01) improved feed consumption during the 1-wk. experimental period. Ca(OH)2 was superior to the other two supplements for wethers (P<0.01). The alkali treatments increased the rumen pH, total rumen VFA concentration and reduced blood VFA levels (P<0.01). No effect on blood pH, blood glucose, plasma bicarbonate or plasma free fatty acid levels were observed. Water intake and urine pH was measured only for the wethers and was significantly (P<0.01) increased by the supplements. A suggested mode of action of the supplements regarding voluntary feed intake is discussed. Ca(OH)2 added to a complete rabbit diet significantly (P<0.01) increased feed intake and growth rate. It also increased cecal pH and plasma free fatty acids while decreasing (P<0.01) blood VFA.
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Bhattacharya et al. (1968) studied this question.