Question

Vinegar treatment in urea poisoning
(A) Reduces production of ammonia
(B) Reduces ruminal pH
(C) Promote diuresis
(D) Increases ruminal pH
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B) and (D) only.
• B. (A), (B) and (C) only.
• C. (A), (B), (C) and (D).
• D. (A), (C) and (D) only.

Hint:

To treat urea poisoning, remember the physiological goal: acidify the rumen. Administering vinegar (acetic acid) lowers the pH to trap ammonia as non-absorbable ammonium ions ($NH_4^+$), which stops toxic systemic absorption.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Urea poisoning (non-protein nitrogen toxicosis) in ruminants occurs when high levels of urea are rapidly hydrolyzed by ruminal urease into ammonia ($NH_3$).
When the rate of ammonia production exceeds the liver's capacity to detoxify it into urea, systemic hyperammonemia, severe clinical signs, and death can occur.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze how vinegar (dilute acetic acid) works to treat urea poisoning:
- Reduces ruminal pH (B): The rapid release of ammonia in the rumen causes the ruminal pH to rise significantly (often exceeding 8.0). At this alkaline pH, ammonia exists primarily in its un-ionized, lipid-soluble form ($NH_3$), which is rapidly absorbed across the rumen wall. Administering vinegar lowers the ruminal pH. This acidic environment shifts the chemical equilibrium to convert the lipid-soluble, toxic ammonia ($NH_3$) into the ionized, non-diffusible ammonium ion ($NH_4^+$), which cannot easily cross the rumen wall and is safely excreted. Thus, Statement (B) is correct.
- Reduces production of ammonia (A): The ruminal urease enzyme has an optimal pH range that is alkaline. By lowering the pH, vinegar directly reduces the activity of urease, slowing down the further hydrolysis of urea into ammonia. Thus, Statement (A) is correct.
- Promotes diuresis (C): The absorbed acetate is metabolized, and the systemic acid-base load, along with oral fluid administration, helps promote renal clearance and diuresis, aiding in the excretion of absorbed ammonium compounds. Thus, Statement (C) is correct.
- Increases ruminal pH (D): Since vinegar is an acid, it decreases ruminal pH rather than increasing it. Thus, Statement (D) is incorrect.
Therefore, (A), (B), and (C) are correct.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct combination is (A), (B), and (C) only, corresponding to option (B).