The Most important metabolic troubles of Peripartuient Dairy cows and their prevention (rumen acidosis)

Question 1

Rumen acidosis can be:

Answer 1

Clinical or subclinical

Question 2

What is the primary cause of rumen acidosis

Answer 2

XS CONCENTRATES!!!!! usually in the form of readily available carbs
Or givng Ractopamine hydrochlride supplement (RAC)
The 2 of these incr lactic acid prod

Question 3

Aetiology of rumen acidosis

Answer 3

incr lactic acid coupled with a decr chewing (meaning less of the buffering saliva produced) leads to the ruminal pH dropping below 6

Fermentation of the carbs leads to gas prod and acc

Question 4

What are the clinical consequences of xs lactic acid and gas production ? (8)

Answer 4

Rumen atony 
Bloat
Metab acidosis
Laminitis 
Lactic acidaemia 
Dx
Liver abscesses 
Thiamine def

Question 5

Prevention and treatment of rumen acidosis

Answer 5

Give someee concentrates (2-4kg) 2 weeks prior to calving to allow the flora to become accustomed to the huge amount of concentrates that are inevitable after calving!

Incr fiber for normal flora fermentation

Buffers via drenching