What is the role of buffers in animal nutrition?

• A. To raise ruminal pH above 7
• B. To decrease pH caused by volatile fatty acids without major increases in ruminal pH
• C. To neutralize all acids completely
• D. To act as a source of protein

Answer: (B)

Buffers stabilize the rumen environment by neutralizing the hydrogen ions produced during microbial fermentation, especially from volatile fatty acids. This prevents the pH from dropping too far, keeping it within a range that supports fiber-digesting microbes. They don’t push pH up to neutral or alkaline levels, and they don’t neutralize every acid completely. They also aren’t a source of protein. That’s why the statement describing buffers as decreasing pH changes caused by VFAs without causing a large rise in ruminal pH is the best fit.