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 pellets during a 3-wk experiment. Intake of test pellets containing 4% sodium bicarbonate increased over time, but intake of control test pellets with an equal sodium content through inclusion of sodium chloride remained unaltered. Cows could have preferred bicarbonate pellets in order to attenuate ruminal acidosis, but increased aversion to sodium chloride cannot be excluded.