The Milk Producer - December 2008 - (Page 36)

APPLIEDSCIENCE By Johanne Chiquette Probiotic solution? Despite many recommendations on how to prevent acidosis, some cows still susceptible to rumen upsets ust as probiotics are proving their worth to human health in new digestive-friendly yogurt products, they also look promising for improving the well-being of your dairy cows’ rumens. One recent study has looked at the potential for reducing acidosis during the critical transition period. Probiotics are living micro-organisms that improve the microflora balance in a cow’s digestive system when added to its daily ration. The transition period following calving is a critical period for rumen health. Changing to a concentrate-rich ration from one rich in forage can trigger a nutritional disorder known as acidosis in some animals. This problem occurs when volatile fatty acids and lactic acid accumulate. They are produced by the microbial fermentation of easily digestible feed such as grain, which makes up a large proportion of early-lactation feed intake. Increased acidity results in rumen pH dropping sharply. Normal rumen pH is around 7.0. Subclinical acidosis describes pH between 5.2 and 5.6 for at least three hours a day, and acute acidosis occurs when pH drops below the 5.2 threshold. When pH drops below 6.0, bacteria that use forage cease activity. Various measures to prevent subclinical acidosis have been proposed. They include: • feeding whole or minimally processed grains; • feeding total mixed rations (TMR) 36 | December 2008 | MilkPRODUCER J instead of separate ingredients; • providing several small meals at regular intervals rather than a single large meal; • ensuring rations contain a minimum amount of fibre; • introducing concentrates gradually so rumen microbial populations can adapt. Despite these measures, certain animals are highly susceptible to acidosis. Additional measures may prove bene- ficial. One possible option is boosting bacterial populations that use starch and release fermentation products more conducive to rumen health. Research has looked into using antibiotics to eliminate bacterial populations involved in excessive acid production. However, antibiotic use has become highly controversial in recent years because bacteria can acquire and possibly transfer resistance. Researchers are now looking at the use and role of probiotics in controlling this nutritional disorder. Lately, we have been studying a bacterial strain that ferments starch Probiotics can improve the microflora balance in a cow’s digestive system.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Milk Producer - December 2008

The Milk Producer - December 2008
Contents
Editor's Note
DFO Chair's Message
Dairy Update
DFC Promotion
Industry Roundup
Research
Seven Issues That Matter
Ruminations
Applied Science
Markets
New 'N' Noted
Back Forty

The Milk Producer - December 2008