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Modern day intensive production systems involve high levels of concentrates (non-fibrous carbohydrates) to fulfill the energy needs of lactating animals in order to maximize milk production. Such a feeding regime and diet predisposes animals to rumen acidosis
The rumen micro-flora enables animals to digest high-fibre matter through fermentation whilst maintaining the pH. Introduction of starch into the rumen or increased fermentable carbohydrates leads to rapid fermentation and increase production of VFA (Volatile fatty acids). As the production rate exceeds the removal rate of these VFA the rumen pH falls leading to acidosis. Ruminal pH is a resulting balance between factors that leads to the production of fermentation acids and those that remove or neutralize acids. Saliva acts as natural buffer and maintains a constant pH in rumen.
Ruminal acidosis occurs when the production of fermentation acids exceeds the ability of the animal to remove or neutralize the acids produced. Most animals suffer from sub-clinical acidosis which is often difficult to detect.When ruminal pH falls below 6.0, fibre digesting microbes become less active and lactate producing bacteria proliferate. This leads to lowered fibre digestion, decrease in feed intake, milk production, and milk fat apart from ruminitis, ruminal atony, diarrhoea, laminitis and liver abcesses.
Intensive production systems involve feeding of high level of concentrates to dairy animals probably predisposing the animals to rumen acidosis. Ruminal buffer helps to maintain the optimal pH level in the rumen for longer duration and maintains the higher productivity of animals without reducing the milk quality. |
