Introduction

To enhance milk production and promote growth, ruminant diets commonly include high levels of grains and concentrates rich in rapidly fermentable carbohydrates. This practice leads to the accumulation of acidic substances in the rumen, primarily lactic acid, resulting in a decline in pH and, ultimately, the onset of ruminal acidosis. Because the rumen mucosa secretes little to no protective mucus, an excessively acidic environment (pH ~5.5) severely damages the mucosal lining and impairs normal rumen function.

Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), as an alkaline substance, can neutralize ruminal acidity. However, excessive or long-term use may raise ruminal or systemic pH excessively, leading to metabolic alkalosis, which manifests as slow respiration, nervous system depression, muscle twitching or weakness, and reduced or absent rumination. Moreover, excess sodium intake can lower potassium levels, affecting cardiac and muscular function, and cause indigestion and fat deposition. Over-alkalinization of the rumen environment also disrupts normal fermentation, increases the digestive burden of the abomasum, damages the mucin structure of digestive secretions, and results in poor appetite, weakened digestion, diarrhea, aggravated ulcers, and reduced concentrate intake — all of which impair production performance.

UNIVET has developed a novel gastrointestinal protectant for ruminants — alkaline polysaccharides. The mucin-like glycan chains in this product (present at concentrations tens of thousands of times higher than in natural saliva) adhere to the rumen mucosa through hydrogen bonding, forming an alkaline protective layer that enhances resistance to acid without interfering with normal rumen fermentation. Additionally, certain polysaccharide components reach the abomasum, where they bind to mucin in digestive secretions, strengthening mucosal protection and enhancing digestive and absorptive functions.