Ruminal Acidosis: Beef Research School Episode
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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.
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. More information on the Beef Research School.
Learn more
- Get a handle on feedlot acidosis (Beefmagazine.com)
- Health Management: Grain Overload (Alberta Feedlot Management Guide)
- Nutrition and Management: Principles of Bunk Management (Alberta Feedlot Management Guide)
- Subacute Ruminal Acidosis (The Merck Veterinary Manual)
- Variation in the Susceptibility to Ruminal Acidosis: Challenge or Opportunity? (Gregory Penner, Ph.D., and Karen Beauchemin, Ph.D.)
- Acidosis in cattle: a review (Journal of Animal Science)
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