Acidosis

Acidosis is a major problem faced by cattle producers. Depending on the severity of the condition, it may cause damage to the rumen wall epithelium and disorders adversely affecting mastication and ruminal motor function. Furthermore, it may considerably increase dry matter intake from feed, compromise immunity and normal metabolic function, reduce milk yield and milk fat content.

For prevention purposes, buffering and alkalizing additives are also recommended. These include, among others, acid sodium carbonate and magnesium oxide. Another group of additives consists of products based on yeast.

Ruminal acidosis usually affects high-yielding dairy cows during the transition period (3 weeks before and 2 weeks after calving) or in the early lactation phase.

Risk factors for the condition also include sudden changes in feed ration and excessive fineness of carbohydrate feeds (in TMR-fed herds).