Dairy: Feeding Disorders

Dairy cattle can develop many different kinds of feeding disorders. One kind of feeding disorder that cattle can develop is acidosis. If left untreated, acidosis can cause a wide range of other medical problems, and in severe cases, even death. Acidosis is determined by the body’s acidity level. It occurs when the pH of the rumen of a cow drops below 5.5. The acidity will begin to affect tissues which could be harmful for a cow. Some common signs that an animal is suffering from acidosis are, diet changes, liquid bowel movements, and the quality of milk will decrease. In severe cases, when a cow’s pH drops below 5, it will become dehydrated and need a vet as soon as possible. Acidosis occurs for a variety of reasons, however the most common