Practical Strategies to Mitigate Acidosis in Dairy Cattle: Implications of Nutritional, Genetic, and Management Practices


Year : 2025 | Volume : 15 | 02 | Page : –
    By

    Md. Emran Hossain,

  • Shilpi Islam,

  1. Professor, Department of Animal Science and Nutrition, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Khulshi, Chattogram-4225, , Bangladesh
  2. Professor, Department of Animal Science and Nutrition, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Salna, Gazipur-1706, , Bangladesh

Abstract

document.addEventListener(‘DOMContentLoaded’,function(){frmFrontForm.scrollToID(‘frm_container_abs_176153’);});Edit Abstract & Keyword

Acidosis in dairy cattle remains a critical concern, adversely affecting rumen health, milk production, and overall animal welfare. This study investigates practical strategies to mitigate acidosis through integrated nutritional, genetic, and management approaches. Nutritional strategies emphasize balancing forage-to-concentrate ratios, providing adequate fiber, and utilizing feed additives such as buffers, probiotics, and yeast cultures to stabilize rumen pH. The importance of gradual dietary transitions and monitoring total mixed ration (TMR) composition is also highlighted to reduce the risk of subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA). Genetic interventions focus on selecting cattle with traits associated with rumen resilience and efficient nutrient utilization to reduce susceptibility to metabolic disorders. Management practices, including consistent feed delivery schedules, minimizing feed sorting, and optimizing grazing systems, are vital in maintaining rumen stability. Additionally, innovative technologies such as rumen sensors for real-time pH monitoring and advanced feed formulations offer promising tools for proactive acidosis management. Emerging strategies, including the use of essential oils, tannins, and organic acids, provide supplementary avenues for improving rumen health. By combining these multidisciplinary approaches, the study underscores the potential for sustainable dairy production systems that promote animal health, welfare, and productivity while minimizing the economic losses associated with acidosis.

Keywords: Acidosis, dairy cattle, dietary management, feed additives, genetic selection, grain processing, management practices, nutritional strategies, TMR optimization

How to cite this article:
Md. Emran Hossain, Shilpi Islam. Practical Strategies to Mitigate Acidosis in Dairy Cattle: Implications of Nutritional, Genetic, and Management Practices. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Microbiology and Virology. 2025; 15(02):-.
How to cite this URL:
Md. Emran Hossain, Shilpi Islam. Practical Strategies to Mitigate Acidosis in Dairy Cattle: Implications of Nutritional, Genetic, and Management Practices. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Microbiology and Virology. 2025; 15(02):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjomv/article=2025/view=0


document.addEventListener(‘DOMContentLoaded’,function(){frmFrontForm.scrollToID(‘frm_container_ref_176153’);});Edit

References

  1. Zebeli, D. Mansmann, H. Steingass, and B. N. Ametaj, “Balancing diets for physically effective fibre and ruminally degradable starch: A key to lower the risk of sub-acute rumen acidosis and improve productivity of dairy cattle,” Livest. Sci., vol. 127, no. 1, pp. 1–10, 2010, doi: 10.1016/j.livsci.2009.09.003.
  2. Abdela, “Sub-acute Ruminal Acidosis (SARA) and its Consequence in Dairy Cattle: A Review of Past and Recent Research at Global Prospective,” Achiev. Life Sci., vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 187–196, 2016, doi: 10.1016/j.als.2016.11.006.
  3. Kotsampasi, M. A. Karatzia, D. Tsiokos, and S. Chadio, “Nutritional Strategies to Alleviate Stress and Improve Welfare in Dairy Ruminants,” Animals, vol. 14, no. 17, p. 2573, 2024, doi: 10.3390/ani14172573.
  4. D. Aschalew et al., “Effects of physically effective fiber on rumen and milk parameters in dairy cows: A review,” Indian J. Anim. Res., vol. 54, no. 11, pp. 1317–1323, 2020, doi: 10.18805/ijar.B-1104.
  5. P. Weiss et al., “Effects of roughage inclusion and particle size on digestion and ruminal fermentation characteristics of beef steers,” J. Anim. Sci., vol. 78, no. 14, pp. 4949–4958, 2017, doi: 10.2527/jas2016.1330.
  6. A. Paterson, R. L. Belyea, J. P. Bowman, M. S. Kerley, and J. E. Williams, “The impact of forage quality and supplementation regimen on ruminant animal intake and performance,” Forage Qual. Eval. Util., pp. 59–114, 1994.
  7. C. Ramos et al., “Diet transition from high-forage to high-concentrate alters rumen bacterial community composition, epithelial transcriptomes and ruminal fermentation parameters in dairy cows,” Animals, vol. 11, no. 3, p. 838, 2021.
  8. Jeon et al., “Effects of reducing inclusion rate of roughages by changing roughage sources and concentrate types on intake, growth, rumen fermentation characteristics, and blood parameters of Hanwoo growing cattle (Bos Taurus coreanae),” Asian-Australasian J. Anim. Sci., vol. 32, no. 11, p. 1705, 2019.
  9. Mahanna and L. E. Chase, “Practical applications and solutions to silage problems,” Silage Sci. Technol., vol. 42, pp. 855–895, 2003.
  10. M. Krause, D. K. Combs, and K. A. Beauchemin, “Effects of forage particle size and grain fermentability in midlactation cows. II. Ruminal pH and chewing activity,” J. Dairy Sci., vol. 85, no. 8, pp. 1947–1957, 2002, doi: 10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(02)74271-9.
  11. DelCurto, B. W. Hess, J. E. Huston, and K. C. Olson, “Optimum supplementation strategies for beef cattle consuming low-quality roughages in the western United States,” J. Anim. Sci., vol. 77, no. E-Suppl, p. 1, 2000, doi: 10.2527/jas2000.77e-suppl1v.
  12. D. Shaver, “TMR strategies for transition feeding of dairy cows,” in 54th Minnesota Nutr. Conf. and Natl. Renderers Tech. Symp., J. Linn, G. Wagner, and P. DeSteno, eds. Bloomington, MN, 1993, pp. 163–183.
  13. Zhou and L. Luo, “Preoperative prolonged fasting causes severe metabolic acidosis: a case report,” Medicine (Baltimore)., vol. 98, no. 41, p. e17434, 2019.
  14. Chen, C. Wang, S. Huasai, and A. Chen, “Effects of dietary forage to concentrate ratio on nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation and rumen bacterial composition in Angus cows,” Sci. Rep., vol. 11, no. 1, p. 17023, 2021.
  15. O. Faniyi et al., “Role of diverse fermentative factors towards microbial community shift in ruminants,” J. Appl. Microbiol., vol. 127, no. 1, pp. 2–11, 2019.
  16. Dijkstra et al., “Ruminal pH regulation and nutritional consequences of low pH,” Anim. Feed Sci. Technol., vol. 172, no. 1–2, pp. 22–33, 2012.
  17. A. González, X. Manteca, S. Calsamiglia, K. S. Schwartzkopf-Genswein, and A. Ferret, “Ruminal acidosis in feedlot cattle: Interplay between feed ingredients, rumen function and feeding behavior (a review),” Anim. Feed Sci. Technol., vol. 172, no. 1–2, pp. 66–79, 2012.
  18. Deckardt, A. Khol-Parisini, and Q. Zebeli, “Peculiarities of enhancing resistant starch in ruminants using chemical methods: opportunities and challenges,” Nutrients, vol. 5, no. 6, pp. 1970–1988, 2013.
  19. Santana, C. Cajarville, A. Mendoza, and J. L. Repetto, “Combination of legume-based herbage and total mixed ration (TMR) maintains intake and nutrient utilization of TMR and improves nitrogen utilization of herbage in heifers,” Animal, vol. 11, no. 4, pp. 616–624, 2017.
  20. C. Ramos et al., “Increasing buffering capacity enhances rumen fermentation characteristics and alters rumen microbiota composition of high-concentrate fed Hanwoo steers,” Sci. Rep., vol. 12, no. 1, p. 20739, 2022.
  21. E. Elmhadi, D. K. Ali, M. K. Khogali, and H. Wang, “Subacute ruminal acidosis in dairy herds: Microbiological and nutritional causes, consequences, and prevention strategies,” Anim. Nutr., vol. 10, pp. 148–155, 2022.
  22. Humer et al., “Invited review: Practical feeding management recommendations to mitigate the risk of subacute ruminal acidosis in dairy cattle,” J. Dairy Sci., vol. 101, no. 2, pp. 872–888, 2018.
  23. Dijkstra et al., “Ruminal pH regulation and nutritional consequences of low pH,” Anim. Feed Sci. Technol., vol. 172, no. 1–2, pp. 22–33, 2012, doi: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2011.12.005.
  24. Hernández, J. L. Benedito, A. Abuelo, and C. Castillo, “Ruminal acidosis in feedlot: From aetiology to prevention,” Sci. World J., vol. 2014, no. 1, p. 702572, 2014, doi: 10.1155/2014/702572.
  25. Z. Yang and K. A. Beauchemin, “Effects of physically effective fiber on chewing activity and ruminal pH of dairy cows fed diets based on barley silage,” J. Dairy Sci., vol. 89, no. 1, pp. 217–228, 2006, doi: 10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(06)72086-0.
  26. Supapong and A. Cherdthong, “Can dietary fermented total mixed ration additives biological and chemical improve digestibility, performance, and rumen fermentation in ruminants?,” Anim. Biotechnol., vol. 34, no. 9, pp. 5113–5123, 2023.
  27. J. van Empel, H. P. S. Makkar, J. Dijkstra, and P. Lund, “Nutritional, technological and managerial parameters for precision feeding to enhance feed nutrient utilization and productivity in different dairy cattle production systems.,” CABI Rev., no. 2016, pp. 1–27, 2016.
  28. Jaramillo-López, M. F. Itza-Ortiz, G. Peraza-Mercado, and J. M. Carrera-Chávez, “Ruminal acidosis: strategies for its control,” Austral J. Vet. Sci., vol. 49, no. 3, pp. 139–148, 2017.
  29. M. Krause and G. R. Oetzel, “Understanding and preventing subacute ruminal acidosis in dairy herds: A review,” Anim. Feed Sci. Technol., vol. 126, no. 3–4, pp. 215–236, 2006, doi: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2005.08.004.
  30. L. Galyean and A. L. Goetsch, “Utilization of forage fiber by ruminants,” Forage cell wall Struct. Dig., pp. 33–71, 1993.
  31. Guo et al., “Effects of Different Forage Types on Rumen Fermentation, Microflora, and Production Performance in Peak-Lactation Dairy Cows,” Fermentation, vol. 8, no. 10, p. 507, 2022, doi: 10.3390/fermentation8100507.
  32. M. Gómez, S. L. Posada, and M. Olivera, “Starch in ruminant diets: a review,” Rev. Colomb. Ciencias Pecu., vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 77–90, 2016.
  33. N. Owens and M. Basalan, “Ruminal fermentation,” Rumenology, pp. 63–102, 2016, doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-30533-2_3.
  34. Safaei and W. Yang, “Effects of grain processing with focus on grinding and steam-flaking on dairy cow performance,” in Herbivores, IntechOpen, 2017.
  35. B. Huntington, “Starch utilization by ruminants: from basics to the bunk,” J. Anim. Sci., vol. 75, no. 3, pp. 852–867, 1997.
  36. F. Schwandt, Grain processing considerations influencing starch digestion and performance of feedlot cattle. Kansas State University, 2015.
  37. Zhao et al., “Understanding the Impact of Extrusion Treatment on Cereals: Insights from Alterations in Starch Physicochemical Properties and In Vitro Digestion Kinetics,” Animals, vol. 14, no. 21, p. 3144, 2024, doi: 10.3390/ani14213144.
  38. Buchanan-Smith, T. K. Smith, and J. R. Morris, “High Moisture Grain and Grain By‐Products,” Silage Sci. Technol., vol. 42, pp. 825–854, 2003.
  39. Roth, M. Jekle, and T. Becker, “Opportunities for upcycling cereal byproducts with special focus on Distiller’s grains,” Trends food Sci. Technol., vol. 91, pp. 282–293, 2019.
  40. Xie et al., “Effects of the application of Lactobacillus plantarum inoculant and potassium sorbate on the fermentation quality, in vitro digestibility and aerobic stability of total mixed ration silage based on alfalfa silage,” Animals, vol. 10, no. 12, p. 2229, 2020.
  41. Y. Bae and H. G. Lee, “Effect of dry heat treatment on physical property and in vitro starch digestibility of high amylose rice starch,” Int. J. Biol. Macromol., vol. 108, pp. 568–575, 2018.
  42. S. B. Kumar et al., “Rumen Buffers to Harness Nutrition, Health and Productivity of Ruminants,” in Feed Additives and Supplements for Ruminants, Springer, 2024, pp. 495–518. doi: 10.1007/978-981-97-0794-2_23.
  43. Moya, A. Ferret, M. Blanch, M. C. Fuentes, J. I. Fandiño, and S. Calsamiglia, “Effects of live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and type of cereal on rumen microbial fermentation in a dual flow continuous culture fermentation system,” J. Anim. Physiol. Anim. Nutr. (Berl)., vol. 102, no. 6, pp. 1488–1496, 2018.
  44. M. Baker, J. Kraft, T. P. Karnezos, and …, “The effects of dietary yeast and yeast-derived extracts on rumen microbiota and their function,” Anim. Feed Sci. …, 2022, [Online]. Available: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0377840122002747
  45. Ban and L. L. Guan, “Implication and challenges of direct-fed microbial supplementation to improve ruminant production and health,” J. Anim. Sci. Biotechnol., vol. 12, no. 1, p. 109, 2021, doi: 10.1186/s40104-021-00630-x.
  46. D. Carro and E. M. Ungerfeld, “Utilization of organic acids to manipulate ruminal fermentation and improve ruminant productivity,” Rumen Microbiol. From Evol. to Revolut., pp. 177–197, 2015.
  47. Khampa and M. Wanapat, “Manipulation of rumen fermentation with organic acids supplementation in ruminants raised in the tropics,” Pakistan J. Nutr., vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 20–27, 2007.
  48. Cobellis, M. Trabalza-Marinucci, and Z. Yu, “Critical evaluation of essential oils as rumen modifiers in ruminant nutrition: A review,” Sci. Total Environ., vol. 545, pp. 556–568, 2016.
  49. Manriquez, L. Chen, P. Melendez, and P. Pinedo, “The effect of an organic rumen-protected fat supplement on performance, metabolic status, and health of dairy cows,” BMC Vet. Res., vol. 15, pp. 1–14, 2019.
  50. K. Patra and J. Saxena, “Exploitation of dietary tannins to improve rumen metabolism and ruminant nutrition,” J. Sci. Food Agric., vol. 91, no. 1, pp. 24–37, 2011, doi: 10.1002/jsfa.4152.
  51. Besharati et al., “Tannin in ruminant nutrition,” Molecules, vol. 27, no. 23, p. 8273, 2022.
  52. Fink-Gremmels, “The role of mycotoxins in the health and performance of dairy cows,” Vet. J., vol. 176, no. 1, pp. 84–92, 2008.
  53. J. DeVries, “Feeding Behavior, Feed Space, and Bunk Design and Management for Adult Dairy Cattle,” Vet. Clin. North Am. – Food Anim. Pract., vol. 35, no. 1, pp. 61–76, 2019, doi: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2018.10.003.
  54. Marchesini et al., “Effects of axial and ceiling fans on environmental conditions, performance and rumination in beef cattle during the early fattening period,” Livest. Sci., vol. 214, pp. 225–230, 2018.
  55. K. S. Rao, I. S. Chauhan, A. B. Fulsoundar, V. V Gamit, and K. Parveen, “Improving comfort and welfare to mitigate stress in dairy animals- A review,” Wayamba J. Anim. Sci., vol. 6, no. 1419152024, pp. 1070–1084, 2014.
  56. Grant and W. H. Miner, “Economic Benefits of Improved Cow Comfort,” Nov. Int. Inc., no. April, pp. 1–26, 2015.
  57. M. Sorathiya, “Association of Good Dairy Farming Practices, Welfare and Performance: A Review,” Indian J. Anim. Prod. Manag., vol. 40, no. 3, pp. 134–145, 2024.
  58. Lindkvist, “Light environments for dairy cows: impact of light intensity, spectrum and uniformity,” Acta Univ. Agric. Sueciae, no. 2023: 31, 2023.
  59. S. Schwartzkopf-Genswein, K. A. Beauchemin, T. A. McAllister, D. J. Gibb, M. Streeter, and A. D. Kennedy, “Effect of feed delivery fluctuations and feeding time on ruminal acidosis, growth performance, and feeding behavior of feedlot cattle,” J. Anim. Sci., vol. 82, no. 11, pp. 3357–3365, 2004.
  60. H. Kim, S. C. Ramos, R. A. Valencia, Y. Il Cho, and S. S. Lee, “Heat stress: effects on rumen microbes and host physiology, and strategies to alleviate the negative impacts on lactating dairy cows,” Front. Microbiol., vol. 13, p. 804562, 2022.
  61. Ricci et al., “Progressive microbial adaptation of the bovine rumen and hindgut in response to a step-wise increase in dietary starch and the influence of phytogenic supplementation,” Front. Microbiol., vol. 13, p. 920427, 2022.
  62. J. Mulligan and M. L. Doherty, “Production diseases of the transition cow,” Vet. J., vol. 176, no. 1, pp. 3–9, 2008.
  63. E. Pryce, W. J. d Wales, Y. De Haas, R. F. Veerkamp, and B. J. Hayes, “Genomic selection for feed efficiency in dairy cattle,” Animal, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 1–10, 2014.
  64. A. Archer, E. C. Richardson, R. M. Herd, and P. F. Arthur, “Potential for selection to improve efficiency of feed use in beef cattle: a review,” Aust. J. Agric. Res., vol. 50, no. 2, pp. 147–162, 1999.
  65. Berry, “Beef Cattle Breeding,” in Animal Breeding and Genetics, Springer, 2022, pp. 191–221.
  66. R. Roche, J. K. Kay, N. C. Friggens, J. J. Loor, and D. P. Berry, “Assessing and managing body condition score for the prevention of metabolic disease in dairy cows,” Vet. Clin. Food Anim. Pract., vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 323–336, 2013.
  67. Barrière, C. Guillet, D. Goffner, and M. Pichon, “Genetic variation and breeding strategies for improved cell wall digestibility in annual forage crops. A review,” Anim. Res., vol. 52, no. 3, pp. 193–228, 2003.
  68. Miglior, A. Fleming, F. Malchiodi, L. F. Brito, P. Martin, and C. F. Baes, “A 100-Year Review: Identification and genetic selection of economically important traits in dairy cattle,” J. Dairy Sci., vol. 100, no. 12, pp. 10251–10271, 2017, doi: 10.3168/jds.2017-12968.
  69. Li et al., “Host genetics influence the rumen microbiota and heritable rumen microbial features associate with feed efficiency in cattle,” Microbiome, vol. 7, pp. 1–17, 2019.
  70. S. Sonstegard, J. M. Flórez, and J. F. Garcia, “Commercial perspectives: Genome editing as a breeding tool for health and well-being in dairy cattle,” JDS Commun., 2024, doi: 10.3168/jdsc.2023-0481.
  71. Phillips, T. Mottram, D. Poppi, D. Mayer, and M. R. McGowan, “Continuous monitoring of ruminal pH using wireless telemetry,” Anim. Prod. Sci., vol. 50, no. 1, pp. 72–77, 2009.
  72. Hossain, “Sub-Acute Ruminal Acidosis in Dairy Cows: Its Causes, Consequences and Preventive Measures,” Online J. Anim. Feed Res., vol. 10, no. 6, pp. 302–312, 2020, doi: 10.51227/ojafr.2020.41.
  73. M. D. Enemark, “The monitoring, prevention and treatment of sub-acute ruminal acidosis (SARA): A review,” Vet. J., vol. 176, no. 1, pp. 32–43, 2008, doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2007.12.021.
  74. Enemark, R. Jorgensen, and P. Enemark, “Rumen acidosis with special emphasis on diagnostic aspects of subclinical rumen acidosis: a review,” Vet. ir Zootech., vol. 20, no. 42, pp. 16–29, 2002.
  75. Z. Yang and K. A. Beauchemin, “Increasing physically effective fiber content of dairy cow diets through forage proportion versus forage chop length: Chewing and ruminal pH,” J. Dairy Sci., vol. 92, no. 4, pp. 1603–1615, 2009, doi: 10.3168/jds.2008-1379.
  76. S. Brown et al., “Evaluation of models of acute and subacute acidosis on dry matter intake, ruminal fermentation, blood chemistry, and endocrine profiles of beef steers,” J. Anim. Sci., vol. 78, no. 12, pp. 3155–3168, 2000.
  77. Neethirajan, “Transforming the adaptation physiology of farm animals through sensors,” Animals, vol. 10, no. 9, p. 1512, 2020.
  78. Eastwood, T. White, J. Sheridan, M. Manning, and K. Mashlan, “Skills required by dairy farmers when strategically adapting their farm system,” Rural Ext. Innov. Syst. J., vol. 13, no. 2, pp. 22–31, 2017.
  79. Temesgen, M. Lemma, Y. Ferede, R. Doyle, and T. J. D. Knight-Jones, “Collaborative training and mentoring material on dairy herd health and welfare management for dairy farmers,” 2023.
  80. R. Eastwood, Innovative precision dairy systems: A case study of farmer learning and technology co-development, vol. Doctor of, no. October. University of Melbourne, Melbourne School of Land and Environment, 2008.
  81. Džermeikaitė, D. Bačėninaitė, and R. Antanaitis, “Innovations in cattle farming: application of innovative technologies and sensors in the diagnosis of diseases,” Animals, vol. 13, no. 5, p. 780, 2023.
  82. E. Duval, C. Fourichon, A. Madouasse, K. Sjöström, U. Emanuelson, and N. Bareille, “A participatory approach to design monitoring indicators of production diseases in organic dairy farms,” Prev. Vet. Med., vol. 128, pp. 12–22, 2016.
Ahead of Print Subscription Review Article
Volume 15
02
Received 05/02/2025
Accepted 22/02/2025
Published 28/02/2025
Publication Time 23 Days
189

async function fetchCitationCount(doi) {
let apiUrl = `https://api.crossref.org/works/${doi}`;
try {
let response = await fetch(apiUrl);
let data = await response.json();
let citationCount = data.message[“is-referenced-by-count”];
document.getElementById(“citation-count”).innerText = `Citations: ${citationCount}`;
} catch (error) {
console.error(“Error fetching citation count:”, error);
document.getElementById(“citation-count”).innerText = “Citations: Data unavailable”;
}
}
fetchCitationCount(“10.37591/RRJoMV.v15i02.0”);

Loading citations…