Rumen Acidosis

Most health problems encountered in cattle are rumen related, and among rumen disorders, ruminal acidosis is a fairly common affection in ruminants that occurs due to many reasons, such as changes in feed, feeding habits, poor managemental practices, etc. Ruminal acidosis is a metabolic disorder that occurs due to feeding errors in ruminants that may manifest in acute, subacute, and chronic forms. It is characterized by severe dehydration, diarrhea, ruminal stasis, toxemia, recumbency, and a high mortality. Diagnosis can be made primarily based on clinical observations such as ruminal movement, temperature, pulse, respiration rate, heart rate and rumen fluid analysis. The treatment of ruminal acidosis depends upon its severity. It is primarily focused on addressing the plasma volume deficit, correcting acid–base disturbances, and restoring a normal rumen microenvironment. Recent approaches for the treatment of ruminal acidosis are based on the use of dietary buffers. The most common buffer in the livestock industry is sodium bicarbonate.