Use our calculators to find the right BicarⓇZ dosage for an optimal acid-base balance of your animals
The dietary cation-anion balance (DCAB) is an indicator of the effect of a feed or diet on the animal's acid-base homeostasis. Feeds rich in alkaline elements (especially K) tend to raise metabolic alkalosis. One of the biochemical parameters of metabolic alkalinization is a urine pH value above 8.
A negative DCAB causes metabolic acidosis. This is characterized in particular by a urine pH value below 7.5. Metabolic acidosis is a pathological condition that induces, among other things, decreased ingestion and significant urinary calcium loss.
To achieve a good balance, it is important to calculate the Dietary Cation-Anion Balance of the feed ration, the milliequivalents of positively charged cations (sodium and potassium) must be deducted from the negatively charged anions (sulfur and chlorine).
Use the cation and anion calculator to calculate the dietary cation-anion balance of your ruminants' diet.
Prevent rumen acidosis
The physicochemical characteristics of the feed rations interfere, directly or by combined effects, on the ruminant's ability to regulate and maintain the pH conditions of the rumen, the intestinal flows of rumen metabolites and the pH of the faeces within the physiological range.
Excess rumen metabolites and the intake of lactic acid with stored foods constitute what is called Ruminal Acidosis with a consequent reduction in rumen efficiency, especially during the summer.
Use the acidosis calculator to determine the right amount of sodium bicarbonate to add to your ration.
Electrolyte Balance
Just like humans, animals use minerals (such as sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium and magnesium) to regulate the physicochemical parameters of their organism, in particular the acid-base balance. They are vital elements because they facilitate the circulation of nutrients in the cells and the elimination of waste. The balance between positively and negatively charged ions is essential. If there is an imbalance, animals can face several problems.
By calculating the Electrolyte Balance of the feed (sodium, potassium, and chloride), it is possible to see whether the ration aligns with the ideal values. A ration whose Electrolyte Balance is too low can be effectively corrected by adding Bicar®Z.
Using a formula, it is possible to calculate electrolyte balance, and thus the dose of Bicar®Z to be added to the ration.
How to use Bicar®Z
The daily dosages of Bicar®Z must be adapted to the physiological needs of the animals, according to their stage of development and climatic conditions.