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Manipulation of the Ruminal Fermentation. I. Effect of Sodium Sulfite on Bovine Ruminal Fatty Acid Concentration and Milk Composition¹

Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin, Madison

ABSTRACT

An attempt was made to manipulate the ruminal fermentation by using sodium sulfite to partially inhibit the production of ruminal acetate. Six lactating cows were divided into experimental and control groups, with the experimental group receiving 160 g of sodium sulfite in their daily ration. Sodium sulfite significantly (P < 0.01) reduced the molar percentage of ruminal acetate from 65 to 55%. The molar per cent of propionate was increased from 18 to 23.7% (P < 0.01). Ruminal butyrate and valerate were also significantly increased by sulfite feeding. Per cent milk fat, solids-not-fat, milk protein, and total milk production were not affected by sulfite feeding. Feed intake was not impaired by including sulfite in the ration, although preliminary studies suggested that the palatability could be reduced. No toxic effects of sulfite were observed at a daily intake of 160 g per day.

¹ Published with the approval of the Director of the Wisconsin Agricultural Experiment Station.

² Present address: Faculty of Agriculture, University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.