Sodium bicarbonate is a versatile feed additive widely used in sheep farming due to its beneficial effects on digestion and overall health.
Improvement of Rumen Environment
In healthy grazing or herbivorous sheep, the rumen pH typically ranges from 6 to 7, a near-neutral environment ideal for the growth and survival of microorganisms. These microorganisms, such as ciliates, play a crucial role in breaking down feed and enabling efficient digestion in sheep. When sheep consume large amounts of concentrate feeds, particularly grains like corn, fermentation in the rumen produces excess acid, leading to a decrease in rumen pH.
A lower rumen pH hampers the activity and survival of beneficial microorganisms, reducing their ability to digest feed effectively. By adding sodium bicarbonate to the diet, the pH in the rumen is buffered, neutralizing excessive acidity. This creates a stable environment for microorganisms, ensuring their vitality and enhancing the rumen's digestive efficiency.
Modern sheep farming often involves increasing the proportion of concentrate feeds to promote faster growth and higher production efficiency, as relying solely on bulky forage limits growth rates and demands high labor input. Sodium bicarbonate supports this approach by maintaining an optimal rumen environment for concentrate digestion.
Enhancement of Gastrointestinal Function
Sodium bicarbonate promotes gastrointestinal motility, stimulates digestive enzyme secretion, and improves the overall digestive and absorptive capacity of the gastrointestinal tract. By supporting the gut's physical and functional health, it contributes to better nutrient assimilation and improved overall productivity in sheep.
Increased Forage Digestibility
Sodium bicarbonate has an alkalizing effect on crude fiber found in forage. It breaks down macromolecular fibers into smaller, more digestible molecules, making roughage like straw softer and easier to digest. This process enhances the digestibility of coarse feed, increasing its utilization rate by over 10%.
This property is particularly valuable in maximizing the use of low-cost, locally available forages, thus improving feeding efficiency while reducing reliance on expensive concentrates.
