Effect of subacute ruminal acidosis on the preference of cows for pellets containing sodium bicarbonate

Lactating cows with low rumen pH were given a choice between two test pelle ts during a 3-wk experiment. Intake of test pellets containing 4% sodium bi carbonate increased over time, but intake of control test pellets with an e qual sodium content through inclusion of sodium chloride remained unaltered . Cows could have preferred bicarbonate pellets in order to attenuate rumin al acidosis, but increased aversion to sodium chloride cannot be excluded.