Effect of Transition Ration Energy and Fiber Levels on Subclinical Laminitis and Ruminal Acidosis in Holsteins Cows in Florida

Abstract

Subclinical laminitis (SL) has been identified to be a common problem in high producing dairy cows. The condition is characterized by solar hemorrhages in its early stages and a predisposition for sole ulcers and subsolar abscesses. Environmental as well as nutritional factors have been suggested as the most important causative agents in SL. Early postpartum cows undergoing acclimation from late dry to early lactating rations are thought to be the most susceptible to nutritional causes of subclinical laminitis due to repeated episodes of ruminal acidosis during this acclimation period. This research focused upon energy and fiber levels in pre- and postpartum (transition) rations to determine if various combinations of these nutrients would influence the subsequent rate of solar hemorrhages and ruminal acidosis in early lactating cows.