smaXtec Classic Bolus SX.2 and smaXtec pH Bolus SX.2

Table 1: Overview of results

*   Evaluation range: requirements fulfilled (✓)/ requirements not fulfilled (X)

Description and technical data

The tested materials are individual components of a special bolus from smaXtec animal care GmbH. They are used in the Classic Bolus SX.2 and pH Plus Bolus SX.2 versions.

Another component used in the bolus is the sealing ring, which was also tested for its resistance to rumen fluid in a previous DLG test (see DLG test report 5973F).

smaXtec boluses are entered once using a bolus applicator and remain in the reticulum. By positioning the bolus in the reticulum, external influences on the measurements are largely excluded, which should significantly improve the quality of the data collected.

The data are measured continuously and automatically read out by the smaXtec Base Station reading device. They are then transmitted to the smaXtec cloud and analysed using artificial intelligence. Data access by the user takes place via PC, smartphone or tablet.

According to the manufacturer’s information, the characteristic values listed in Table 2 are measured.

Table 2: Data measured by smaXtec boluses

Through the continuous monitoring of the various parameters and the messages on health status, estrus, calving and feeding, the farmer is informed early. This enables him to react quickly if necessary. This contributes to increasing animal health. Earlier disease detection helps to avoid severe disease progression, reduces the use of medication and reduces performance losses.

Background and purpose

The test serves to evaluate the chemical resistance of materials to the rumen environment. For this purpose, the test items are treated with artificial rumen fluid under standardized conditions.

The artificial rumen fluid simulates the chemical-physiological conditions in the rumen. The artificial rumen fluid consists of a buffer solution which simulates the “rumen saliva”. Macro- and trace elements are added in order to imitate the osmotic conditions in the mucus membrane of the rumen. Chloride compounds are the main component of the trace element solution. The artificial rumen fluid does not contain any microorganisms. Their natural reaction products and the resulting physiological conditions are simulated by adding a fatty acid mixture.

The pH of the solution is adjusted to 6.2 with the fatty acid mixture. This corresponds to a concentration of about 100 mmol/l. In addition to the physiological conditions, the test also simulates rumen acidosis as the “worst case”. For this purpose, the pH value of the physiological artificial rumen solution is lowered to 5.2 with lactic acid.

Test methodology and test conditions

The test was carried out as a static immersion test in the laboratory based on the DIN EN ISO 175 standard for the determination of the resistance of plastic materials against liquid chemicals.

Each material is stored in a separate, covered container filled with the required medium and placed in a drying chamber.

Two storage temperatures are chosen for each material and each medium:

• 40 °C, which corresponds to the physiological conditions in the rumen, and
• 60 °C for the acceleration of the material test and the assessment of the results.

The test solution is replaced weekly.

Fully desalted water (FD water) serve as a reference solution and duplicate determinations are carried out for all test conditions.

The brand-new samples are rinsed with deionized water and dried to constant weight. Before and after the immersion time of 28 days, the tested bodies were evaluated visually and examined for specific material properties such as mass, measurements, and Shore hardness. For this purpose, the samples are weighed with a laboratory scale, measured with a digital caliper and the hardness is determined 
with a Shore hardness measuring device. After the immersion time, the test specimens are rinsed again with deionized water, dried at room temperature and measured again.

Assesment

Changes in properties caused by treatment with artificial rumen fluid are used to evaluate the results. The DLG evaluation scheme is shown in Table 3.

Table 3: DLG assesment scheme ‘rumen fluid resistance’

The delivered test samples were subjected to a visual assessment in the untreated condition and after treatment with water and artificial rumen fluids. No abnormalities were found either in new condition or after treatment.

The measurements carried out showed no significant influence of the treatments on the weight, the thickness, the length or the diameter as well as the shore hardness of the test samples. Table 4 shows the individual results.

The changes in the tested properties are within the tolerable range and the test samples can therefore be classified as resistant to rumen fluid under normal use.

Table 4: Change in material properties – individual results

*L1 = artificial rumen fluid pH 6.2 / **L2 = artificial rumen fluid pH 5.2