Simultaneous Estimation of the pH of Rumen and Reticulum Fluids of Cows Using a Radio-Transmission pH-Measurement System

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Circadian pH changes in the fluid of the rumen (bottom and middle) and reticulum were assessed simultaneously using wireless and wired radio-transmission pH-measurement systems in cows fed a control diet (C diet) or rumen-acidosis-inducing diet (RAI diet). The pH in the three sites decreased following the morning and evening feedings. In cows fed the C diet, the bottom-rumen and reticular pH reverted to the basal level by the next morning, while the middle-rumen pH did not recover completely, suggesting that active fermentation occurred in the middle of the rumen. The mean pH at 1-hr intervals was higher in the reticulum than at the bottom and in the middle of the rumen. The relatively stable reticular pH may result from dilution due to salivation. In cows fed the RAI diet, the bottom-rumen pH fell to approximately 5.2 after the evening feeding, but returned to the basal level by the next morning. In contrast, the middle-rumen pH did not return to the basal level (6.5) within 24 hr, presumably owing to continuous, vigorous fermentation. There were positive correlations between the pH at the bottom and in the middle of the rumen and at the bottom of the rumen and in the reticulum. These findings indicate that our radio-transmission pH-measurement system may be suitable tool for simultaneous measurement of pH in the rumen and reticulum fluid.