Results of studies of buffers in the diets of ruminants are inconclusive. Feed intake, daily gain and feed efficiency have been improved in some studies, but not in others. Using corn silage, high moisture grain or wheat rations. Mixing rations poorly. Changing cattle from a high roughage to a high grain ration.
Sodium bicarbonate is a commonly used buffering agent in cattle diets.
It is fed at 0.75 to 1.5 percent of the dry matter ration or higher. This would be about 2 to 4 ounces per head daily. Poloxalene Poloxalene is marketed by Smith Kline Animal Health Products, a Division of Smith Kline Corporation, under the trade name Bloat Guard. Poloxalene is approved by the FDA for preventing legume bloat in cattle. No withdrawal period before slaughter is required.