When prepartum cows are fed a negative DCAD diet, inducing a mild compensated metabolic acidosis, calcium status is improved, resulting in healthier, more productive cows. Recently, some nutritionist have been feeding even lower-DCAD diets (more anions) to acidify cows more deeply than the majority of published research. At these higher, more extreme levels of acidification, cows may walk a fine line between being OK and being overwhelmed by uncompensated metabolic acidosis.Progressive DairyEditor Audrey Schmitz spoke with Tim Brown to hear more about DCAD myths and the optimum level for negative DCAD diets. 

 

 

Here is a breakdown of the episode: 

  • Tim, tell me a little bit about what you do in the dairy industry on a day-to-day basis. [1:50]
  • You mention that you work as a nutritionist and I was wondering if you could describe in your own words briefly to me what a DCAD diet is? [3:53]
  • When it comes to DCAD diets though there are various levels of intensity of DCAD. Can you explain to me what those differences are? [6:50]
  • Can you tell me about what the biggest DCAD myths are in your mind when talking about DCAD? [10:22]
  • In your mind what is the best way to estimate the acid-base status of a group of cows being fed a negative DCAD diet? [12:45]
  • What are some of the risks that happen when urine pH drops below a score of 6? [15:37]
  •  What negatives should producers be aware of before attempting this and reaching that extreme metabolic acidification? [19:40]
  • Can you tell me what you think is the most optimum level of negative DCAD and pH? [28:11] 

 

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