RUMEN BUFFER • pH MANAGEMENT
pHix-up®
Advanced Rumen Aklalizer with Multistage Release Profile
A magnesium-based rumen buffer acting fast after feeding and persisting for up to 6 hours. The proven solution for SARA prevention in cows and buffaloes.
SARA - The Hidden Productivity Thief
Sub-Acute Ruminal Acidosis (SARA) is one of the most costly and under-diagnosed conditions in intensive dairy farming. When high-concentrate rations cause rumen pH to drop below 5.8 for more than 3 hours daily, a cascade of health and production problems begins - often without obvious clinical signs.
In Indian dairy conditions, where high-energy concentrate rations are increasingly used to support milk production genetics, SARA risk is significant and growing. Most herds are affected to some degree - and most farmers don't know it.
- Rumen pH drops below 5.8 → volatile fatty acid accumulation
- Rumen wall damage → increased toxin permeability into bloodstream
- Liver stress, laminitis, and lameness increase
- Dry matter intake falls → milk production declines
- Milk fat depression – butterfat drops significantly
- Reduced fertility and longer calving intervals
20–25%
OF DAIRY COWS AND BUFFALOES AFFECTED BY SARA GLOBALLY
pH 5.8
CRITICAL THRESHOLD – BELOW THIS FOR 3+ HRS TRIGGERS SARA
HIDDEN
OFTEN NO VISIBLE SYMPTOMS UNTIL SIGNIFICANT PRODUCTION LOSS
How pHix-up® Works
pHix-up® is not a simple buffer - it is an alkaliniser built from complementary magnesium oxide sources, each with different kinetics, working together to deliver fast and sustained rumen pH correction.
Fast Initial Action
Some MgO sources in the formulation dissolve rapidly after ingestion, providing immediate acid neutralisation in the rumen - preventing the post-meal pH crash that triggers the SARA cascade.
pH returns to normal in under 2 hours after ingestion
Long-Lasting Effect
Slower-acting MgO fractions continue releasing neutralising capacity over time - maintaining rumen pH stability between meals, when conventional buffers like sodium bicarbonate have already been depleted.
97% persistence of buffering effect after 6 hours
Microbiome Protection
By maintaining rumen pH above the risk threshold, pHix-up preserves fibre-digesting bacteria (Fibrobacter) that are highly sensitive to acidity - improving NDF digestibility and overall feed efficiency.
Greater microbial diversity and Fibrobacter abundance
High Magnesium Solubility
72% of the magnesium in pHix-up solubilises in rumen juice after 6 hours - compared to 20-30% for standard MgO sources. This makes more Mg available for absorption and systemic metabolic functions.
48.5% Mg content, highly bioavailable
Milk Performance Support
A more stable rumen environment translates into better dry matter intake, improved feed efficiency, and enhanced milk fat synthesis - directly benefiting farm economics.
+1.35 kg Energy Corrected Milk in field trials vs control
High Neutralising Capacity
With a neutralising capacity of 39 mEq/g pHix-up achieves equivalent pH correction low dose.
KEY ADVANTAGES
Why pHix-up® Outperforms
6 hrs++
PERSISTENT BUFFERING
500k+
RUMINANTS SUPPLEMENTED DAILY
48.5%
MAGNESIUM CONTENT
Applications in Indian Dairy
pHix-up® addresses the most common high-risk scenarios for SARA in Indian cows and buffaloes - each one representing a significant hidden cost to farm profitability.
High-Concentrate TMR Rations
As farms optimise for milk production with energy-dense concentrate rations, rumen acid load increases substantially. pHix-up stabilises pH without limiting concentrate inclusion.
Replaces or reduces sodium bicarbonate at 1:3 inclusion ratio
Summer Heat Stress
Heat stress reduces feeding frequency and increases slug-feeding behaviour - dramatically worsening rumen pH fluctuations. pHix-up provides between-meal buffering that sodium bicarbonate cannot.
Particularly valuable during Indian summer months (March–June)
Transition Cow/Buffalo Period
The 3 weeks before and after calving represent the highest SARA risk period. Rumen adaptation to post-calving high-energy diets is where most metabolic problems originate.
Milk Fever reduction by 62% when Mg is increased from 0.3% to 0.4%
Peak Lactation Support
High-producing cows and buffaloes in peak lactation (30–100 DIM) require maximum concentrate intake - and are at the highest risk of SARA-related milk fat depression and lameness.
Protects milk fat percentage and maintains feed intake at peak demand
Feed Mill Inclusion
Can be incorporated directly into compound dairy feeds and concentrate premixes - allowing feed millers to offer a differentiated, SARA-protection claim on their dairy products.
Simple powder inclusion – compatible with standard mineral premix production
Small Ruminants
Goats and sheep in intensive production systems face similar SARA risks. pHix-up is validated in small ruminant applications globally and is relevant for Indian goat and sheep dairy operations.
Validated across dairy cows and buffaloes, goats and sheep