Sub-acute ruminal acidosis: clinical aspects, diagnosis and prevention

Abstract

Animal husbandry systems increases the search for profitability in the shortest possible time, increasing the challenges imposed on animals in different situations, including the increase in food concentrated in animal feed. The change in diet, without previously adaptation or nutritionally unbalanced
diets, can lead to the occurrence of distinct metabolic disorders, among them the sub-acute ruminal acidosis commonly observed on herds in the country and worldwide. Often the animals do not show distinct clinical signs for such a condition, but there is a progressive loss of body condition, in addition to sporadic episodes of lack of appetite, diarrhea and laminitis, which is considered the most important consequence after subacute ruminal acidosis. The prevention of the subacute ruminal acidosis continues being a important tool, once this afection is responsible for economics losses all over the world.