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Jones-Hamilton Co. has dominated the pH and ammonia control market in commercial animal production for over 30 years with primary application in the poultry and dairy sectors. Extensive research and in-field use has proven that 100 lbs. of sodium bisulfate will sequester 55 lbs. of ammonia.

After learning about our potential to lower pH and eliminate ammonia, researchers at Iowa State University initiated a study to be conducted with Shane Jurgensen at Provisions Cattle Company in Nevada, Iowa. The goal was to evaluate the effectiveness of BeefUp™ (sodium bisulfate) to lower the pH of the manure pack, decrease ammonia emissions and improve overall hoof health when applied to the manure pack, and feeding and drinking areas.

During the study, the product was applied weekly to feed and water bunk aprons and every 8 weeks to the bedding pack at a rate of 150 lbs./1,000 square feet. Cattle stayed on feed for ~200-210 days.

Control pH and Ammonia with BeefUp

Ammonia related respiratory issues are a significant challenge, especially in hospital and receiving pens. “Ammonia is a huge thing when it comes to health,” commented Jurgensen. “When it’s a 110°F the ammonia is high; when it’s negative 30°F the steam in the ammonia is worse.”

BeefUp is a dry, mineral acid that controls ammonia and lowers pH to biologically effective low levels. Low pH has been shown to create an unfavorable environment for the bacteria (Table 1) that can negatively impact hoof health and promote secondary infections. This can be especially impactful in high traffic areas.

BeefUp Improves Performance from the Ground Up

In addition to the improvement in air quality, Jurgensen also noticed an improvement in hoof health and lameness scores. “I could tell something was happening. There became a peace of mind going into these test pens.” At the end of the study, there was a 74% improvement in normal hoof scores in the treated group (30% normal in control vs 53% normal in treated). Given the environmental and overall hoof health improvements, Provisions Cattle Company will continue to apply BeefUp for ammonia and pH control. “We got better feed conversions, better cost to gain. Why wouldn’t we use every tool in your toolbox?”