New developments in understanding ruminal acidosis in dairy cows

Maximizing milk production without incurring ruminal acidosis is a challenge for most dairy producers. Feeding a highly fermentable diet provides energy precursors needed for high milk production, but the risk of subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) increases. Ruminal acidosis is characterized by periodic episodes of suboptimal rumen pH, which depresses fiber digestion and possibly milk production. Preventing SARA requires careful management of rumen fermentation. Key strategies that help reduce the risk of acidosis are: adaptation of the rumen environment to changes in diet composition, formulation of diets with slow rate of ruminal carbohydrate digestion, and increased intake of physically effective fiber. New research developments are improving our understanding of the factors that put cows at risk of developing SARA and how this risk can be managed.

[1]  T. DeVries,et al.  Repeated ruminal acidosis challenges in lactating dairy cows at high and low risk for developing acidosis: ruminal pH. , 2008, Journal of dairy science.

[2]  J. Enemark,et al.  The monitoring, prevention and treatment of sub-acute ruminal acidosis (SARA): a review. , 2008, Veterinary journal.

[3]  K. Beauchemin,et al.  Altering physically effective fiber intake through forage proportion and particle length: chewing and ruminal pH. , 2007, Journal of dairy science.

[4]  T. Nagaraja,et al.  Ruminal acidosis in beef cattle: the current microbiological and nutritional outlook. , 2007, Journal of dairy science.

[5]  T. Duffield,et al.  Effects of prepartum administration of a monensin controlled release capsule on rumen pH, feed intake, and milk production of transition dairy cows. , 2007, Journal of dairy science.

[6]  K. Beauchemin,et al.  Severity of ruminal acidosis in primiparous holstein cows during the periparturient period. , 2007, Journal of dairy science.

[7]  M. V. Keyserlingk,et al.  Use of sodium bicarbonate, offered free choice or blended into the ration, to reduce the risk of ruminal acidosis in cattle , 2006 .

[8]  K. Beauchemin,et al.  An evaluation of the accuracy and precision of a stand-alone submersible continuous ruminal pH measurement system. , 2006, Journal of dairy science.

[9]  G. Oetzel,et al.  Understanding and preventing subacute ruminal acidosis in dairy herds: A review , 2006 .

[10]  A. D. Kennedy,et al.  Subacute ruminal acidosis induces ruminal lipopolysaccharide endotoxin release and triggers an inflammatory response. , 2005, Journal of dairy science.

[11]  K. Schwartzkopf-Genswein,et al.  Effect of bunk management on feeding behavior, ruminal acidosis and performance of feedlot cattle: A review , 2003 .

[12]  J. Aschenbach,et al.  Influence of food deprivation on the transport of 3-O-methyl-alpha-D-glucose across the isolated ruminal epithelium of sheep. , 2002, Journal of animal science.

[13]  K. Beauchemin,et al.  Effects of forage particle size and grain fermentability in midlactation cows. II. Ruminal pH and chewing activity. , 2002, Journal of dairy science.

[14]  J. Aschenbach,et al.  Transfer of energy substrates across the ruminal epithelium: implications and limitations , 2002, Animal Health Research Reviews.

[15]  K. Beauchemin,et al.  Effect of concentrate level and feeding management on chewing activities, saliva production, and ruminal pH of lactating dairy cows. , 2002, Journal of dairy science.

[16]  B. Hull,et al.  Site of nutrient digestion by dairy cows fed corn of different particle sizes or steam-rolled. , 2001, Journal of dairy science.

[17]  C. Pollitt,et al.  In vitro evidence for a bacterial pathogenesis of equine laminitis. , 2001, Veterinary microbiology.

[18]  F. Owens,et al.  Acidosis in cattle: a review. , 1998, Journal of animal science.

[19]  R. Grant Interactions among forages and nonforage fiber sources. , 1997, Journal of dairy science.

[20]  M. Allen Relationship between fermentation acid production in the rumen and the requirement for physically effective fiber. , 1997, Journal of dairy science.

[21]  D. Wilson,et al.  Why are ruminal cellulolytic bacteria unable to digest cellulose at low pH? , 1996, Journal of dairy science.

[22]  C. Krehbiel,et al.  The effects of ruminal acidosis on volatile fatty acid absorption and plasma activities of pancreatic enzymes in lambs. , 1995, Journal of animal science.

[23]  H. Martens,et al.  Influence of food deprivation on SCFA and electrolyte transport across sheep reticulorumen. , 1993, Zentralblatt fur Veterinarmedizin. Reihe A.

[24]  Y. Gröhn,et al.  Effect of diseases, production, and season on traumatic reticuloperitonitis and ruminal acidosis in dairy cattle. , 1990, Journal of dairy science.

[25]  H. Martens,et al.  The effect of low mucosal pH on sodium and chloride movement across the isolated rumen mucosa of sheep. , 1989, Quarterly journal of experimental physiology.

[26]  R. Stock,et al.  Net portal absorption of lactate and volatile fatty acids in steers experiencing glucose-induced acidosis or fed a 70% concentrate diet ad libitum. , 1985, Journal of animal science.