DairyTalk 351: Monitoring urine pH: a practical tool to verify negative DCAD programs - by Helmut Demmelhuber

This podcast episode is based on a technical article examining
the role of urine pH monitoring in negative DCAD feeding programs
for transition cows. The analysis highlights that diets
formulated correctly on paper do not always achieve the desired
level of metabolic acidification under practical farm conditions.
Feed sorting, limited bunk space and uneven intake can prevent
cows from consuming the intended mineral balance. Regular urine
pH testing with simple strips is presented as a practical method
to verify whether the diet is functioning as expected. The
article also discusses parity-specific target ranges to optimize
calcium metabolism in different cow groups. Overall, the approach
illustrates how systematic monitoring can reduce the risk of
subclinical hypocalcemia and support health and productivity
after calving. With comments on a "The Bullvine"-article (March
25th, 2026) by Andrew Hunt: https://www.thebullvine.com