EFEITO DO CALCÁRIO CALCÍTICO NO pH RUMINAL

The experiment was carried out at the Zootechny Department of Goias Federal University, Brazil. Twelve sheep were divided in blocks and confined in individual metabolic cages. Three isoprotein and isoenergetic concentrates with 0, 2 and 4% CaCO3 were evaluated for ruminal fluid pH and blood levels of glucose and urea. One hour after a concentrate intake, ruminal fluid showed pHs of 5.66, 7.11 and 7.02, which were significantly different (P=0.05) eight hours (5.93, 7.20 and 7.11 for 0, 2 and 4% CaCO 3 , respectively). Blood glucose averaged 86.20, 71.4, 58.87 and 77.22 mg/l after 1 hour and 75.4, 58.87 and 77.22 mg/ml after 8 hours, differing significantly at P=0.05. Blood urea values showed no significant difference between one and eight hour periods after intake. Values were 34.25, 37.77 and 31.55 mg/ml after one hour and 29.52, 34.42 and 27.85 mg/ml after eight hours. Results showed that CaCO3 changes ruminal pH and products of fermentation and blood metabolites. KEY-WORDS: Calcitic calcarium; ruminal pH.