LUCRRI TIINIFICE MEDICIN VETERINAR VOL.

XLI, 2008, TIMIOARA

PREVENTION OF RUMEN ACIDOSIS IN DAIRY COWS

1

B. PETRUJKI , H. AMAC , M. ADAMOVI , JELENA NEDELJKOVI

TRAILOVI4, RADMILA MARKOVI5, DANIJELA KIROVSKI6
Summary
Average milk production per cow during lactation is significantly increased during
last two decades. Beside improvements on the field of genetics, changes in the way of
feeding have contributed to this, all that was done in aim to achieve optimal production. Use
of total mixed rations and increase of part of energetic dense feeds in rations are nowadays
concept for successful and rentable milk production. A part of "energetic dense" feeds is
often kept on highest possible level in order to assure satisfyingly amounts of energy for
production needs of high productive dairy cows.
Rumen content acidity increase caused by large amounts of easily digestible
carbohydrates and decreased of buffer capacity which originates, beside other, from
forages, lead to rumen acidosis. In the early 60s years of last century, the use of highly
concentrated feeds (in order to meet requirements in energy over easily digestible
carbohydrates) was judged "knife edge" between maximal productivity and development of
disorders (diseases) caused by rumen acidosis.
Disorders in processes of feed digestion in pregastric chambers and subsequently
formed acidosis cause numerous pathological processes, which include morphological
alterations of rumen mucosa. Having that on mind, and a fact, that appetite is decreased in
acidosis, it is quite clear that the end result of these disorders is decreased milk production.
Our aim was to evaluate rumen acidosis emersion frequency in early postpartum
period and possibilities for its prevention. Results of study, have shown, that 20% of animals
embraced by this trial had subacute form of rumen acidosis.
Key words: Rumen, Acidosis, Prevention, Milk production, Cows

Rumen acidosis is metabolic disorder which affects both beef and dairy
cows. It is present in several forms, from peracute-life-threatening, to chronic hard
to diagnose form. It has attracted attention of numerous researchers lately. Various
diagnostic procedures were proposed, in order to collect uniform and applicable
diagnostic protocol since big variations in description of subacute rumen acidosis
form present (NORDLUND et al 1995, GARRETT 1996, GARRETT et al 1999,
OETZEL 2000).
Clinical details and even unified definition are still lacking. Used
terminology varies, as well as descriptions of this kind of disorder. Some
investigations conducted in USA point that SARA (subacute rumen acidosis) might
be the key problem in herd health. By examination of 15 herds of Holstein Frisian
1

Mr. sci Branko T. Petrujki, DVM, assistant, Department of nutrition, Fafulty of veterinary medicine, Belgrade
Dr Horea amanc, professor, Clinic for buiatrics., Fafulty of veterinary medicine, Belgrade
Dr Milan Adamovi, ITNMS Belgrade
4
Dr Jelena Nedeljkovi Trailovi, docent, Department of nutrition, Fafulty of veterinary medicine, Belgrade
5
Dr Radmila Markovi, assistant, Department of nutrition, Fafulty of veterinary medicine, Belgrade
6
Dr Daniela Kirovski, docent, Department of phisiology, Fafulty of veterinary medicine, Belgrade
2
3

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breed cows, SARA presence was diagnosed in 19% of early lactation cows and in
26% of cows in the middle of lactation. In one third of examined herds SARA was
present in more than 40% of animals (GARRETT et al 1997).
Mechanisms of rumen pH regulation are based on the way of feed, type,
composition and meal quality, its physical structure and percentage of moisture.
These factors affect taste and consistency of feed and by that feed ingestion,
rumination time and saliva production (MACKIE and WHITE, 1989, HUTJENS et al
1996).
Electrochemical reaction of rumen content is stabilised by various
mechanisms, and by interaction between bases, acids and buffers (OWENS et al
1996), this review is given in diagram 1.

Formation of short chain fatty acids

Formation of lactic acid
Decrease in buffer capacity

Low pH of rumen
content

Absorbtion
Excretin from organism
Transportation

Production of lactic acid

Lowering motility of GIT
Shift in bacterial population

Diagram 1. Mechanisms of rumen content stabilisation (OWENS et al 1996)

In cattle fed predominantly forages, rumen pH is between 6.4 and 6.8
(PFEFFER 1987). Cattle fed meals which have high content of concentrated feeds
have lower pH. Some authors are with the attitude that pH 5.5 should not be
accepted like value which has detrimental effect on microorganisms (BREAZILE
1971, OWENS and GOETSCH 1988, LEEK 1983). Others consider this value
physiological (DIRKSEN 1985, MARTENS 2000). GARRET (1996) has suggested
that pH5.5 should always be considered non-physiological and pH5.8
physiological.
Upsurge of low rumen pH from value of 6.4 to 5.5 and given lower, mostly
start by ingestion feed rich in energy. Easily digestible carbohydrates like farina,
sugars or pectins are source of easily adoptable energy (MLLER 1993,
NORDLUND et. al. 1995).
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Singular factors contribute to development of rumen acidity, and that are

foremost:

Decreased saliva production. Concentrated feeds are often given in bulk

condition and forages in mixed ration are in some cases over-minced.
Chewing and rumination time are decreased as well as the amount of
saliva produced (which is buffer) in reticulo-ruminal compartment
(DIRKSEN 1985, GARRETT 1996).

Shift in microbial population - causes lower rumen pH. Growth of a

protozoa as well as gram negative bacteria is limited (SLYTER 1976,
DAWSON i ALLISON 1988, IVANY et al 2002).

Due to ingestion of large amount of concentrated feeds, buffering capacity

originating from forages is lower (GBEL 1990, GARRY 2002).

Presence of easily fermentable nutrients - leads to increased short chain

fatty acids production and decreased rumen pH (SLYTER 1976, MLLER
1993, ENEMARK et al 1998).

Presence of bumper energy leads to increased lactate production, lactate

is produced mostly by Streptococcus bovis and some protozoa like
Dasytrichia. These microorganisms are in other circumstances suppressed
and have to compete with the ones which use energy more efficiently and
provide substrates for production of low fatty acids (SLYTER 1976,
DIRKSEN 1985, DAWSON i ALLISON 1988,).
Low rumen pH is consequence of absolute increase in low fatty acid
production in combination with relatively decreased amount of aceto-acetate and
increased production of lactate. This increase in acid components is insufficiently
neutralised by low saliva production and by presence of feeds with low buffering
capacity (DIRKSEN 1985).
Acidosis in rumen should be scrutinised like inability to adapt on increased
levels of acids and interaction between acids, bases and buffers which in the end
lead to decrease of rumen content pH.
pH decrease can be periodical or constant. Rumen acidosis might be
present in acute-clinically manifest or in subacute form. These two forms of
acidosis present clinically diverse diseases, with similar aetiology. Differences
which occur between them are the result of adaptation degree on higher acidity
(OWENS et al 1996, OETZEL 2000).
It is believed that for SARA inception ingestion of meal which is poor in
fibbers (low structure meal) and rich in energy is responsible, in time when a rumen
micoorganisms are not yet fully capable ferment feeds in proper way.
Trials conducted by Swedish authors have shown lower ingestion of feed in
postpartum period in dairy cows fed meal with surplus concentrated feeds
compared to cows fed meal with smaller amount of concentrated feeds (OLSSON
et al 1998).
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Numerous studies which deal with feed ingestion in beef cattle with
subacute rumen acidosis have done lately. It is even described one particular
model of feed ingestion which is called "cycling" or "wavering". This model is
characterised by cyclic shifts of appetence and inappetence (NORDLUND et al
1995).
Causes of lower ingestion of feed dry matter should be looked in
decreased rumen motility which is result of low rumen content pH. Bacterial
endotoxins are brought to connection with low rumen motility.
Proper sampling rumen content is very important for accurate SARA
diagnose. Technique of sampling should have as much possible lower influence on
pH. Contamination of sample with alkalised saliva should be avoided as well as
longer exhibition of sample to air since loss of CO2 lead to increased pH.
Numerous diseases like laminitis (ROSSOW 1984, DIRKSEN 1985,
GBLER 1990), liver abscesses (ROSSOW 1984, DIRKSEN 1985, NORDLUND et
al 1995, GARRY 2002, OETZEL 2000) are brought into connection with SARA.
There are even described cases of haemoptoe and epistaxis in herds with
diagnosed SARA, these cases are often connected with bacterial pneumonia or socalled caudal cava syndrome (NORDLUND et al 1995, OETZEL 2000). Nonspecific nearly systemic nature of this disease can lead practitioner to suspect that
herd has immunodeficiency (NORDLUND et al 1995).
Decreased milk fat percent in SARA as well as in other forms of acidosis is
well described (DIRKSEN 1985, NORDLUND et al 1995, OETZEL 2000). Since it
affects singular animals it can pass without notice when testing cumulative sample
of milk from lacto freeze (GARRETT 1996, NOCEK 1997).
Prevention of rumen acidosis can be described by two principles. Firstly
enableing of good adaptation of rumen microflora and mucosa in postpartum
period, in order to absorb and metabolise high levels of low fatty acids. Secondly
upkeeping of rumen pH in physiological borders despite of increased ingestion of
an energy (NOCEK 1997).
For adaptation of rumen mucosa to meal rich in concentrated feeds takes
from four to six weeks (NORDLUND et al 1995, NOCEK 1997). For microbial
population shift three weeks is enough (DIRKSEN, 1985, NORDLUND et al 1995).
Best prevention of all feed digestion disorders in rumen is proper nutritional
management (GARRY 2002). SARA is monitored like direct consequence of
maximal energy ingestion, because of that it is desirably to render optimal meals
which relate physic- chemical connexions in rumen (NOCEK 1997).
Addition of microorganism in aim to prevent pathological alterations in beef
and dairy cattle is known for long-time. Recent study performed by NOCEK et al
(2002), has shown effective increase in pH after direct inoculation of
microorganisms into rumen. Three types of microorganisms (Enterococcus
faeccium, Lactobacillus plantarum and Sacchoromyces cerevisae) were applied
intraruminaly. These microorganisms are lactate utilising and it is believed that they
effectively prevent accumulation of lactic acid and lead to higher pH. Direct
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inoculation of Selenomonas ruminantium and Megasphaera elsdenii is brought to

question, since survival of these microorganisms is very short (OWENS et al 1996,
DIRKSEN 1985).
Buffers are good matters in prevention and therapy of all forms of acidosis
(ROSSOW 1984, GARRY 2002). In cases where cows are fed meals with high
concentrated feed content, preventive use buffers can lower possibilities of rumen
pH decrease (GARRY 2002).
Use of antibiotics in SARA prevention in high productive dairy cows is
proposed based to experience of use of these matters in beef cattle. Addition of
antibiotics has an aim to control lactic acid production mostly over control of
Streptococcus bovis and Lactobacillus Spp. (OWENS et al 1996). Use of these
matters, at least in European Union, is considered obsolete.
The aim of this study was to evaluate frequency of rumen acidosis in dairy
cows in early postpartum period as to evaluate possibilities for its prevention.
Materials and methods

Experiment was performed on 20 cows of Holstein-Frisian breed, on a farm

Kovilovo, agricultural combinate Belgrade. Cows were old form 2 to 8 years. In all
cows embraced in the trial samples of rumen fluid were taken with specially
designed probe. Probe used for sampling was Hauptner probe, model according to
authors Zwick and Klee (Hamburg, Germany).

Fig. 1. Probe for rumen sampling, Hauptner, Germany

In order to prevent mixing of rumen content with saliva it was collected
from 1 1/2 to 2 litters of rumen fluid. Samples were collected 4 to 6 hours after
morning meal.
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In samples of rumen fluid, immediately after obtaining, electrochemical

value was measured on the pH-metre (WTW 330 i). From every rumen sample
right after pH measurement native sample for microscopic examination was made.
In visible field, infusoria were counted, according to their size (small, medium and
large), presence of each type was evaluated.
Results and discussions

rumen content pH

It was found that in 16 cows had pH value of rumen content in between 6.0
and 6.8. Four cows had values between 5.5 and 6.0. Results of rumen
electrochemical value investigation, of cows included in trial, have shown that 20%
of animals were in subacute rumen acidosis. This is shown in graph 1.
6,9
6,8
6,7
6,6
6,5
6,4
6,3
6,2
6,1
6
5,9
5,8
5,7
5,6
5,5
5,4
5,3
5,2

Control group

Experimental group

Graph 1. Electrochemical reaction of rumen content

Presence of infusoria is shown in table 1.

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Recently numerous publications considering various mechanisms

responsible for acid indigestion in beef and dairy cattle development are published.
Acid indigestion is basically disorder of feed digestion which is characterised by
excessive lactic acid accumulation in rumen content due to feeding with large is of
easily degradable carbohydrates, in cases when dry matter of feed lacks crude
fibres. In rumen content number of bacteria producers of lactic acid is progressively
increased and number of microorganisms lactic acid for their metabolism
decreases (BLOOD i STUDERT 1999, CHIRCHLOW i CHAPLIN 1985, DIRKSEN
1985, ENEMARK et al 1998, GARRET 1996, GEARHART et al 1990, IVANY et al
2002, NOCEK 1997).
As previously stated cows meals in first phase of lactation contain
significantly high amounts of easily digestible carbohydrates. Because of that
during the day large oscillations in an electrochemical rumen content reaction
occur, the lowest values of pH are measured during the night and in early mornings
(daily variations or oscillations of electrochemical reaction of rumen content). In
such cases animals do not interest sufficient amount of feed in morning meal and it
is very often that big amount of feed presented in crib all the way until the next
meal (NOCEK et al 2002, AMANC et al 2006). The attitude that lactic acid
accumulates in large amount due to increased in number and activity of bacteria
which produce lactic acid and decreased number of lactate utilising
microorganisms is widely accepted. In these processes pH alteration in acid
direction is substantial, it is known that acid pH is main regulator of growth and
development of micro population in rumen content. Streptococcus bovis, which is
the main producer of lactic acid, most intensively multiply in pH reaction in between
5.1 and 5.3. On the contrary, Megasphera elsdenii, which is the main consumer of
lactic acid, very hard survives even when pH value drops from 6.0 to only 5.5.
Because of all that in rumen content concentration of lactic acid is increased very
fast, basically balance between formation and consuming of lactic acid is disturbed
(CHALUPA et al 2000, VAN SOEST et al 1986).
These datas point towards conclusion that planned nutrition of cows at the
beginning of lactation should be preceded by transitive period of adaptation of
digestion organs, especially pregastric chambers on nutrition with large amounts of
concentrated heat.
Subacute rumen acidosis (SARA) presents a most subtile disorder in feed
digestion in pregastric chambers. According to results of numerous researchers
this disease occurs most often in Holstein breed herds. It is estimated that one third
high productive dairy cows has high percentage of animals with subacute rumen
acidosis which sometimes is up to 40% (GARRET 1996, GARRET et al 1999,
KLEEN 2004, KRAJCARSKI-HUNT et al 2002). In our country subacute rumen
acidosis presents also important health disorders but there is still not enough
precise data about her presence. According to some data percentage of affected is
in between 10 and 30% (AMANC et al 2006).
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Results of rumen content pH measuring have shown in this trial presence

of SARA in 20% of examined animals.
Conclusions
Based on the results obtained in this study following conclusions can be derived:
1. Values of rumen content pH have shown presence of SARA in 20% of cows in
first phase of the lactation.
2. Electrochemical reaction of rumen content is most reliable parameter for
judging of correct diagnose of subacute rumen acidosis.
3. Two to four hours after meal is optimal time for rumen content electrochemical
reaction quantization and detection of animals with subacute rumen acidosis.
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