This study was conducted to determine the effects of oral magnesium hydroxide administration on rumen fluid in cattle. Six lactating Holstein cows (4-7 years of age) with rumen fistulas were studied. Cattle were randomly assigned to receive boluses of magnesium hydroxide (162 g) or a powdered form (450 g dissolved in 3.5 L of water) PO daily for 3 days. Analysis of rumen fluid, blood gas tensions, and pH and measurement of serum magnesium concentrations were conducted daily. The study was discontinued after 72 hours, or sooner if rumen pH exceeded 8.0. After at least 3 weeks, the study was repeated with each cow receiving the other form of magnesium hydroxide (powder or bolus). Compared with baseline rumen pH (mean +/- SD: 6.22 +/- 0.28), magnesium hydroxide boluses caused a significant increase (P < .05) in rumen pH after 48 (7.27 +/- 0.11) and 72 (8.01 +/- 0.16) hours of administration, whereas the powdered form caused a significant increase (P < .05) in rumen pH after 24 (7.54 +/- 0.19) and 48 (8.43 +/- 0.22) hours of administration. Both the powdered and bolus forms of magnesium hydroxide decreased rumen protozoal numbers and increased methylene blue reduction times compared with baseline values. There was no change in blood pH, bicarbonate, or base excess values. Serum magnesium concentrations were significantly increased (P < .05) in cows that received the magnesium hydroxide powder. The results of this study indicate that magnesium hydroxide has a potent alkalinizing effect on rumen pH and significantly decreases rumen microbial activity.