This study was made to determine the degree of protection of sheep against ruminal acidosis after the addition of various concentrations of sodium bicarbonate (3%, 6%, 9%) to acidotic rations (crushed wheat). For this purpose four groups, each group consisting of three animals, were used. This grouping was established according to the rate of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO 3 ) added to the crushed wheat. Crushed wheat-wheat strax mixture (Base ration, 90; 10, 40 gr/kg) was fed to animals once a day for up to 4 days. NaHCO 3 was added to base ration. Treatments were as follows: No treatment (control, group I), 3% NaHCO 3 of base ration (group II), 6% NaHCO3 of base ration (group III), 9% NaHCO3 of base ration (group IV). The clinical and laboratory examinations were carried out before first feeding (0h) and thereafter 4,8,12,24,36,48,60,72 and 96 hour intervals. At four hours post feeding a decrease in ruminal pH values occured in control and trial groups. At eight hours and afterwards acidosis was detected in the control group but not in the trial groups. As a result, it was determined that the addition of 3%, 6%, or 9% sodium bicarbonate into the sheep ration rich for carbonhydrates would prevent the animals from ruminal acidosis and the adidition of 6% sodium Bicarbonate would be most proper.

This study was made to determine the degree of protection of sheep against ruminal acidosis after the addition of various concentrations of sodium bicarbonate (3%, 6%, 9%) to acidotic rations (crushed wheat). For this purpose four groups, each group consisting of three animals, were used. This grouping was established according to the rate of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO 3 ) added to the crushed wheat. Crushed wheat-wheat strax mixture (Base ration, 90; 10, 40 gr/kg) was fed to animals once a day for up to 4 days. NaHCO 3 was added to base ration. Treatments were as follows: No treatment (control, group I), 3% NaHCO 3 of base ration (group II), 6% NaHCO3 of base ration (group III), 9% NaHCO3 of base ration (group IV). The clinical and laboratory examinations were carried out before first feeding (0h) and thereafter 4,8,12,24,36,48,60,72 and 96 hour intervals. At four hours post feeding a decrease in ruminal pH values occured in control and trial groups. At eight hours and afterwards acidosis was detected in the control group but not in the trial groups. As a result, it was determined that the addition of 3%, 6%, or 9% sodium bicarbonate into the sheep ration rich for carbonhydrates would prevent the animals from ruminal acidosis and the adidition of 6% sodium Bicarbonate would be most proper.