Acidosis In Ruminants

Also known as lactic acidosis, rumen acidosis or grain overload Carbohydrate fermentation disorder of the rumen Can be acute and subacute

Drastic change in feed Feeding of highly fermentable carbohydrates Underfeeding of effective fiber Poor management practices

More serious than sub acute acidosis, but rare. Symptoms Sudden death or coma Decrease or cessation of rumen movements Bloat Increased pulse and respiration rates Staggering Star-gazing (caused by an induced thiamine deficiency)

Occurs much more frequently but more difficult to recognize Reduced feed intake and accompanying reduction in animal performance Symptoms Panting Diarrhea Reduced cud chewing Kicking at the belly

Chemical damage to epithelial cells Bacterial leakage Delayed health problems include liver abscess, laminitis, pneumonia, endocarditis, caudal venacava syndrome

Allow the animal to drink lots of water Antacid preparations like milk of magnesia Drenching with a solution of sodium bicarbonate Administration of an antibiotic to suppress the lactic acid-producing bacteria Administration of anti-histamines Probiocin or rumen contents from a healthy ruminant Thiamine or B-complex vitamins Change in feeding practices

The key to prevention is a properly balanced diet and proper feed management practices. Avoid too much grain or commercial feed. When introducing a new ration, gradually change the diet over a period of several weeks Provide a forage-based diet which can be in the forms of natural browse and pasture or goodquality hay