Acidosis refers to a lower than normal pH in the rumen. It is a growth performance, health and welfare concern caused by highly fermentable feed being digested too quickly, and typically seen when cattle are moved from a predominantly forage-based to grain-based diet. Cattle that engorge on forages are also at risk.
Acidosis can cause diarrhea, reduced feed intake, and depressed behavior. Once an animal recovers, it is likely to be feed deprived, leading it to overeat and be susceptible to more severe acidosis. Severe acidosis can lead to rumen ulcers, which allow bacteria into the blood stream causing further health problems, and death.
The latest video in the Beef Research School features Dr. Greg Penner, a professor and accomplished researcher at the University of Saskatchewan focused on cattle nutrition and gut function. A feedlot operator in Southern Alberta highlights the main risk factors in feedlot cattle and prevention through monitored delivery of a feeding program that gradually changes rations. A nutritionist can help develop a step-up feeding plan for your operation.
See the video here: http://www.realagriculture.com/2013/03/beef-research-school-managing-pasture-and-rations-to-avoid-acidosis/
Stay tuned for more episodes of the Beef Research School, which will soon cover the topic of antimicrobial resistance in a series of three videos. Past episodes covered footrot and other lameness, using RFI to select for feed efficiency, and extended grazing systems. For more information on the Beef Research School, visit www.beefresearch.ca/blog/new-video-series/
Learn more about ruminal acidosis
Get a handle on feedlot acidosis
Bovine Veterinarian Online
http://www.bovinevetonline.com/practice-tips/get-a-handle-on-feedlot-acidosis-113984419.html?view=all
Health Management: Grain Overload
Alberta Feedlot Management Guide
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/beef11734
Nutrition and Management: Principles of Bunk Management
Alberta Feedlot Management Guide
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/beef11704
Subacute Ruminal Acidosis
The Merck Veterinary Manual
http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/21704.htm
Variation in the Susceptibility to Ruminal Acidosis: Challenge or Opportunity?
Gregory Penner, Ph.D., and Karen Beauchemin, Ph.D.
http://www.wcds.ca/proc/2010/Manuscripts/p173-187Penner.pdf
Acidosis in cattle: a review
Journal of Animal Science
http://www.vet.unicen.edu.ar/html/Areas/Prod_Animal/Documentos/2012/Dra.%20Patricia%20Alvarado/275%20Owen.pdf
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