• A new marine-derived rumen buffer, LithoNutri, is now available through Scotmin Nutrition
• The product offers sustained buffering activity to keep the rumen within the optimum pH zone
• Its naturally porous honeycomb structure supports gradual dissolution, helping maintain a more stable rumen environment

A new natural marine-derived rumen buffer has been launched for UK dairy and beef producers, offering long-lasting buffering activity to help reduce the risk of sub-acute rumen acidosis (SARA).

Available through Scotmin Nutrition, part of the Fevara plc portfolio, LithoNutri is produced from Lithothamnium, a type of calcified red marine algae.

Richard Wynn, Head of Global R&D at Fevara, says the point of difference is not simply whether it can buffer acidity, but how effectively and consistently it supports the rumen pH.

“Keeping pH steady helps to optimise the rumen environment, helping producers enhance cattle performance while reducing the risk of SARA,” he says.

SARA is a particular risk in cattle being fed high concentrate rations, where grass silage is highly acidic or where feeding management means animals cannot eat ‘little and often’.

Dr Wynn explains: “LithoNutri buffers pH within a tighter working range than we’ve seen with other products, suggesting greater benefit for feed digestion within the rumen.”

A more stable rumen pH gives fibre-digesting microbes better conditions to work, which ultimately helps cattle make more from the feed they consume.

 This performance comes from the structure and composition of the marine algae itself. LithoNutri is naturally rich in several different forms of calcium carbonate, while its honeycomb microstructure provides a large internal surface area.

“As acidity increases, the carbonate ions absorb the hydrogen ions, helping reduce acid build-up,” says Dr Wynn.

“The surface area and permeability of the honeycomb structure help the product dissolve gradually, offering sustained buffering activity, unlike sodium carbonate buffers, where the effect dwindles.”

For dairy farmers, the benefits of using LithoNutri can translate into improved milk value[1].

Research with marine algae buffers has shown improvements in energy-corrected milk yield and butterfat content, reflecting better fibre digestion and more efficient conversion of feed into milk value.

For intensively finished beef cattle, where high-starch diets can increase the risk of SARA, work with LithoNutri has demonstrated increased digestibility of dry matter, NDF, starch and crude protein.

The rumen buffer can also be fed alongside BioSprint, Fevara’s live yeast.

“LithoNutri helps manage the ‘chemistry’ of the rumen by helping buffer acid production and supporting a steadier pH when diets, or feeding management, place pressure on the rumen,” says Dr Wynn.

“Meanwhile, BioSprint aids the microbiological aspect of rumen fermentation, supporting and promoting the fibre-digesting microbes.

“Used together, they provide a complementary approach to helping dairy and beef cattle make more of every kilo of dry matter consumed.”

[1] Comparison of marine algae based rumen buffer with sodium bicarbonate buffer and its role in increasing milk value. Journal of Dairy Research. July 2024