Theme Energy

From nutrition to laminitis - acidosis is the missing link

The critical link between nutrition, acidosis and laminitis appears to be associated with altered haemodynamics of the peripheral microvasculature. In many dairy operations, the challenge is not with acute, but sub-clinical acidosis. Daily ruminal pH below certain thresholds (5.0) for given periods of time predisposes cattle to low grade, subclinical acidosis with symptoms including erratic appetite, loss of body weight, diarrhoea and lameness.