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Acidosis
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<blockquote data-quote="msscamp" data-source="post: 510036" data-attributes="member: 539"><p>In a nutshell - and I'm sure this explanation leaves out certain things that are relevant - ruminants have specific micro-organisms that digest specific types of feed-stuffs in their rumens, and the rumen needs to be at a specific ph balance - usually slightly alkaline (if memory serves) - in order for it to work properly. That is the reason for changing feedstuffs gradually - to allow the proper micro-organisms to build up in order to digest the feed properly and safely. When grain is introduced at a high rate (for an animal that is not used to grain, that rate can be a pound - depending on that animals weight), the micro-organisms are not present, and the resulting fermentation of that grain can result in the ph dropping drastically to a more acidic ph, and the micro-organisms that digest roughage die due to the ph balance being upset. This drop in ph causes the rumen to not function properly. If allowed to progress, the acidic ph balance causes a systemic reaction that results in vital organ shut down and the death of that animal. The same thing can happen in reverse - if an animal is used to getting a large amount of grain, and that grain is suddenly stopped, then the micro-organisms that digest the corn die and acidosis can result from that, as well. Acidosis is usually manifested by copious diarrhea, being off-feed, and bloating. Whether the animal lives or dies depends, in large part, on the severity of the condition, as well as the owners/caretakers awareness of feed changes, knowledge, and quick implementation of treatment for the condition.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="msscamp, post: 510036, member: 539"] In a nutshell - and I'm sure this explanation leaves out certain things that are relevant - ruminants have specific micro-organisms that digest specific types of feed-stuffs in their rumens, and the rumen needs to be at a specific ph balance - usually slightly alkaline (if memory serves) - in order for it to work properly. That is the reason for changing feedstuffs gradually - to allow the proper micro-organisms to build up in order to digest the feed properly and safely. When grain is introduced at a high rate (for an animal that is not used to grain, that rate can be a pound - depending on that animals weight), the micro-organisms are not present, and the resulting fermentation of that grain can result in the ph dropping drastically to a more acidic ph, and the micro-organisms that digest roughage die due to the ph balance being upset. This drop in ph causes the rumen to not function properly. If allowed to progress, the acidic ph balance causes a systemic reaction that results in vital organ shut down and the death of that animal. The same thing can happen in reverse - if an animal is used to getting a large amount of grain, and that grain is suddenly stopped, then the micro-organisms that digest the corn die and acidosis can result from that, as well. Acidosis is usually manifested by copious diarrhea, being off-feed, and bloating. Whether the animal lives or dies depends, in large part, on the severity of the condition, as well as the owners/caretakers awareness of feed changes, knowledge, and quick implementation of treatment for the condition. [/QUOTE]
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