The sharp decline in milk yield is causing concern among farmers. The reason for the decline in the productivity of cows is acidosis. Pathology is associated with metabolic disorders. Acidosis in cows develops due to improper selection of feed. An excess of boiled vegetables and animal feed in the diet of animals has a negative effect on the digestive system.
Rumen acidosis in cattle
Causes of acidosis
The use of a large amount of crushed food disrupts the digestive system. Acidosis develops when there is not enough coarse fiber in the diet. The use of wet silage leads to negative consequences. The presence of such food can cause indigestion.
Pathology occurs due to a sharp change in diet. Do not overfeed cows with boiled vegetables. Cereals, beets and potatoes should not dominate the diet of cattle.
Rumen acidosis in cows is accompanied by the formation of lactic acid. Pathology leads to a violation of the process of digestion of food. The disease causes a sharp decrease in immunity. Excess lactic acid destroys liver cells.
Pathological processes have a negative impact on the intestinal microflora. On the mucous membrane of the digestive organs, microorganisms that process starch begin to actively multiply.
Gradually, they displace bacteria that feed on cellulose and lactic acid. This makes it difficult to digest roughage. In a sick animal, the pH level changes. In the rumen, the number of pathogenic microorganisms increases. The disease is dangerous for pregnant animals.
Important! A decrease in the protective functions of the placenta increases the risk of infection of the fetus with various infections. Calves born sick often die in the first days.
Symptoms of the disease
Acidosis in cattle can be recognized by the following signs:
- Animals lose their appetite.
- Pay attention to the behavior of the cows. Sick individuals lie motionless almost all the time.
- The disease has a negative impact on respiratory function.
- When probing the abdomen, you can notice a seal.
- A sign of pathology is a change in the frequency of stool. Sick animals suffer from intense diarrhea. The condition is aggravated by convulsions.
If left untreated, the cow may die within a day.
A sick animal loses weight
The subacute form of acidosis is accompanied by a change in the intestinal microflora. A sick animal loses weight, his muscles begin to weaken. Decreased immunity leads to the development of mastitis. The subacute form can cause various complications. In sick cows, the mucous membranes of the rumen become inflamed. Excess lactic acid affects liver function. In most cases, highly productive breeds of animals suffer from the disease. Acidosis is indicated by a drop in milk yield and a change in the behavior of cows. They lose their former activity and prefer to lie indoors.
In the chronic form of acidosis, the animal refuses to feed. In sick individuals, anemia develops, the mucous membranes become noticeably pale. The cow quickly loses strength, his milk yield drops. Sick individuals are not suitable for the reproduction of offspring.
Diagnostics
To detect acidosis, specialists examine urine and blood. The disease leads to characteristic changes in the mucous membranes. The veterinarian prescribes treatment only after receiving the results of the analysis of the fluid in the rumen of the sick animal.
Therapies
To cope with the acute form of acidosis, it is necessary to wash the scar of a sick animal. The procedure for cleansing the digestive system is carried out using a probe. The veterinarian frees the scar from the remnants of not fully digested food.
However, treatment will not bring positive results if the cow’s diet is not adjusted. After cleansing, an alkaline solution is injected into the scar. In the process of its preparation, 150 g of baking soda must be added to a liter of water.
Flax decoction is used as an additional component, which protects the mucous membrane from irritating substances. To eliminate unpleasant symptoms, a 7% sodium bicarbonate solution is used in the form of injections.
Prednisolone
If the cow has convulsions, then it is necessary to use Prednisolone. A sick animal needs B vitamins.
Important! You can get rid of acidosis with the help of Macerobacillin. The drug should be given 10 g per day. The duration of treatment is 3 days.
Prevention
Acidosis is the result of malnutrition in cows. The breeder must monitor the ratio of proteins and carbohydrates in the diet of animals. Cows should not be given too much concentrate. Their volume should not exceed 40% of the daily diet.
It is recommended to feed cows with food that is rich in vegetable fibers. To avoid disruption of the digestive system, do not add more than 25 kg of beets per day to the feed.
Rumen acidosis is accompanied by a sharp drop in milk yield. Most often, highly productive breeds of cows suffer from pathology. The disease develops due to improper selection of feed. Deficiency of coarse fibers leads to excess production of lactic acid. It disrupts the work of not only the digestive system. Pathology has a negative impact on liver function.
