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Page 2 of 4 Like most metabolic diseases it is important to remember that for every cow that shows clinical signs, there will be several more which are affected sub-clinically. What is acidosis? Acidosis is said to occur when the pH of the rumen falls to less than 5.5 (normal is 6.5 to 7.0). In many cases the pH can fall even lower. The fall in pH has two effects. Firstly, the rumen stops moving, becoming atonic. This depresses appetite and production. Secondly, the change in acidity changes the rumen flora, with acid-producing bacteria taking over. They produce more acid, making the acidosis worse. The increased acid is then absorbed through the rumen wall, causing metabolic acidosis, which in severe cases can lead to shock and death. The primary cause of acidosis is feeding a high level of rapidly digestible carbohydrate, such as barley and other cereals. Acute acidosis, often resulting in death, is most commonly seen in ‘barley beef’ animals where cattle have obtained access to excess feed. In dairy cattle, a milder form, sub-acute acidosis, is seen as a result of feeding increased concentrates compared to forage. CLINICAL SIGNS Sub-acute acidosis • Reduced milk yield: Initially a moderate decline, eventually a sudden drop If acidosis occurs in one cow, it usually indicates that although the other cows in the herd are currently compensating, many are suffering from sub-clinical acidosis that is significantly reducing their productivity. A clinical case is the tip of the iceberg, and therefore solutions have to be for the whole herd not the individual animal. Many diseases have been linked to acidosis. For some, such as liver abscesses, the evidence is very strong. For others, such as sole ulcer and white-line disease, the link is not so strong. Diagnosis Difficult as signs are non-specific Reduced milk fat is strongly indicative of excess starch feeding |
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