Chewing activity of cows and acidity of rumen contents

Abstract

Studying the relationship between the size of the food particles and the acidity of the rumen contents, found that the size of the particle feed has an effect on the pH of the rumen. Analyzing the results, it should be noted that the level of acidity of the rumen content in cows with low chewing activity indicated a more acidic environment, pH ranged from 6.94 to 6.03. At the same time, animals with a higher level of chewing activity were characterized mainly by a neutral or slightly alkaline rumen contents with a pH of 6.91 to 7.75. As we see, cows, which are characterized by elevated chewing activity, were distinguished by higher values of pH of a rumen in comparison with animals, which had a lower duration of chewing. Ruminating activity of cows fed the same ration has been studied. Time of rumination was different that influenced rumen acidity (pH). Strong correlation (r = 0,57; 0,53) between rumination time and rumen pH has been discovered. It nas been proved that 24–h monitoring of rumination can serve as effective instrument of control of microbial processes in the rumen.