An evaluation of milk components for use as biochemical markers that will help detect rumen acidosis and indigestion in dairy cows

Authors

  • G. A. Donovan Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611
  • P. P. Pinedo Texas AgriLife Research & Extension Center, Texas A&M University, Amarillo, TX 79106
  • F. P. Maunsell Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611
  • C. A. Risco Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611
  • S. E. Kirchman Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20143704

Keywords:

rumen indigestion, subacute ruminal acidosis, SARA, dairy cattle, low ruminal pH, biological markers, milk

Abstract

Rumen indigestion or subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) is common even in well-managed dairy herds, and is difficult to diagnose as clinical signs vary by individual cow. A cow suffers from rumen indigestion when she experiences a prolonged period of low ruminal pH (pH<5.8) which may have returned to normal (pH 6.2-7.2) once clinical signs are evident. The purpose of this research was to find biological markers in milk that could be used to detect rumen indigestion prior to clinical signs, allowing for earlier treatment and prevention of prolonged reduced milk yield and therapy.

Cover image of the 47th Conference Proceedings: An image of a herd of cattle in a field at dusk. Three cows are standing in the foreground, looking adorable. Yellow background.

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Published

2014-09-18

Issue

2014

Section

Research Summaries 1

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