Two rumen buffers manufactured by Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition—ARM & HAMMER® Feed Grade Sodium Bicarbonate and SQ-810® Natural Sodium Sesquicarbonate—have been listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) for use in organic production. OMRI is an independent agency that reviews and evaluates products for use under the USDA’s National Organic Program Rule in organic production and processing. ARM & HAMMER Rumen Buffers now join DCAD Plus® Feed Grade Potassium Carbonate as OMRI listed ingredients offered by Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition.
“Organic dairy producers face a unique set of challenges as they balance rations for peak performance with a limited number of organic-approved ingredients,” says Vice President, Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition, Curt Siverling. “With ARM & HAMMER Rumen Buffers now listed by OMRI, organic operations can utilize these rumen buffers in their rations to stabilize rumen acids and improve rumen performance, translating to greater productivity and profitability.”
ARM & HAMMER Feed Grade Sodium Bicarbonate has long been the industry standard in rumen buffers. Today’s high-energy ration formulations often limit animals from generating enough natural buffer—saliva—by chewing cud, causing excess acid to build up in the rumen. The buffering capabilities of sodium bicarbonate help stabilize rumen acids, increasing feed intake and improving rumen performance.
SQ-810 provides all the buffering capabilities of sodium bicarbonate in a more soluble formula. It also includes calcium and magnesium carbonate to assist in balancing rations for proper mineral levels.
To be placed on OMRI’s Product List, ARM & HAMMER Sodium Bicarbonate and SQ-810 had to meet requirements based on the USDA National Organic Program Rule. Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition can now place the OMRI-listed seal on the rumen buffer product bags, labels and marketing materials.
ARM & HAMMER Sodium Bicarbonate and SQ-810 are listed as restricted products (allowed with restrictions). Both buffers can be used as a feed additive and supplement, but may not be fed above the levels needed for adequate nutrition and health maintenance or be used to stimulate growth or production. Organic producers should verify the compliance of these rumen buffers with their certifying agent before including it in their rations.
Source: Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition