RESPONSE TO ELECTROLYTES IN BUFFALO CALVES DURING ACIDOSIS

Rumen fistulated male buffalo calves (6) were supplemented with jagger y (intra-ruminally) to meet 50% of their daily energy requirements. Ru men fluid and blood samples were analysed. The rumen pH declined to 4. 91 within 48 hr of jaggery supplementation and severe clinical symptom s of acidosis appeared. On the third day, as a corrective, a balanced electrolyte supplement (5 litre/calf) was administered intraruminally twice daily. On the fourth and fifth days, along with the electrolyte mixture, about 2 to 3 litres of rumen liquor collected from healthy an imals was also transferred to the rumen of each animal. The rumen pH w as restored to normal and the physical symptoms of acute acidosis coul d be controlled within 24 hr of the Electrolyte supplementation. Feedi ng higher levels of jaggery resulted in increase in the proportions of both propionate and butyrate and also of total volatile fatty acid co ncentration in the rumen fluid. However, the electrolyte supplementati on decreased the proportion of butyrate. The protozoa in the rumen flu id were reduced to zero with the onset of lactic acidosis in some anim als. The bacterial counts also showed variations. Jaggery supplementat ion decreased per cent of Entodinia to the minimum, while the Diplodin ia increased to the maximum and the Holotrichs were absent. After elec trolyte supplementation along with rumen liquor, Entodinia increased, while Diplodinia decreased and the Holotrichs did not reappear up to 5 days. There were significant differences in the blood (pH, lactic aci d, bicarbonate and chloride levels) associated with jaggery and then w ith electrolyte and rumen liquor supplementations. Results indicated t he significance of electrolytes along with rumen liquor supplementatio n in controlling acidosis and optimising the ruminal environment for t he growth of microflora and fauna.