The objective of this study was to determine how duration of time that cattle are fed a high-grain diet affects feed sorting, both before and after an episode of acute ruminal acidosis. Sixteen Angus heifers (261 ± 6.1 kg; BW ± SEM) were assigned to 1 of 4 blocks and fed a backgrounding (BG) diet (60% forage, DM basis). Within block, heifers were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments differing...

The influence of ruminal acidosis on ruminal microbiology and metabolite production has received considerable attention, but little is known regarding the systemic manifestations that arise from ruminal acidosis. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is released in the gastrointestinal tract upon ingestion of high-grain or high-fat diets, and it has been implicated in the etiology of multiple energy- and li...

The objectives of this study were: 1) to determine the effect of providing additional prepartum concentrate on the occurrence and severity of ruminal acidosis (RA) and lactational performance during the periparturient period in primiparous cows; and 2) to characterize the occurrence and severity of RA during the periparturient period. We hypothesized that providing additional concentrate prepar...

Rations containing approximately 85% ground high-moisture, ensiled corn were fed to steers in such a way as to produce lactic acid acidosis, and three dietary buffers were evaluated in regard to their effect on ruminal and systemic acidosis. The buffers consisted of (1) 2% sodium bentonite, (2) 1% sodium bentonite plus 1% dolomitic limestone, and (3) 1% sodium bentonite plus 1% potassium bicarb...

Feeding dairy cows for maximum milk production increases the risk of ruminal acidosis. Diets fed to high producing dairy cows in North America are typically highly digestible in the rumen and often lack sufficient physical fiber. Rapid fermentation of carbohydrates causes an accumulation of volatile fatty acids (VFA) in the rumen, leading to a drop in ruminal pH. Lack of sufficient physical fib...

The present study was conducted to determine clinico-haematobiochemical changes in ruminal acidosis-affected South Down sheep in Kashmir valley. Thirty two healthy sheep were taken as control whose parameters were compared with thirty two sheep suffering from ruminal acidosis. Clinical parameters were measured using standard techniques. Ruminal fluid, urine and blood was examined for microscopi...

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....

The objective of this study was to determine the incidence, prevalence, severity, and risk factors for ruminal acidosis in feedlot steers during backgrounding, diet transition, and finishing. Steers were purchased from a local auction market (n = 250; mean ± SD; 330 ± 20.0 kg initial BW) and were grouped together with 28 steers fitted with a ruminal cannula (248 ± 25.5 kg initial BW). Steers we...

Acute ruminal acidosis is a metabolic status defined by decreased blood pH and bicarbonate, caused by overproduction of ruminal D-lactate. It will appear when animals ingest excessive amount of nonstructural carbohydrates with low neutral detergent fiber. Animals will show ruminal hypotony/atony with hydrorumen and a typical parakeratosis-rumenitis liver abscess complex, associated with a pleth...

Sub-acute ruminal acidosis (SARA) has become an increasing problem in well-managed, high yielding dairy herds and the monitoring of groups of cows for signs of the condition is now crucial. Rumenocentesis may be ethically questionable but the technique remains the most reliable means of diagnosing SARA. Continuous measurement of ruminal pH may however be possible in the future. Parameters refle...