This archive report was first published on 12 June 2020.
Why grain-rich diet is not great for dairy cows ¶
Published on June 12, 2020
High-yielding dairy cows require a balanced diet to sustain their bodily functions and produce at the desired level. However, feeding them a diet rich in grains can lead to health issues such as laminitis and ruminal acidosis.
Laminitis is an inflammatory, non-infectious condition of the foot that can occur in dairy cows fed on a diet rich in highly fermentable carbohydrates such as maize grains. The fermentation of these carbohydrates in the rumen leads to the production of lactic acid, which induces an acidotic state in the body.
Other factors that contribute to the development of laminitis include feet and leg structure, body weight, and genetics. Environmental factors such as hard surfaces, poor bedding, and lack or excessive exercise also play a role in the development of this condition.
The clinical signs of laminitis include swelling of the feet, soft hooves, yellow coloration of the sole, and bleeding stains in the solar area. In severe cases, the hooves become elongated, broadened, and flattened, with many grooves and ridges on the wall of the hooves.
Treatment and control of laminitis are difficult once the condition sets in, and in most cases, affected animals are culled. Prevention is therefore better than cure, and farmers should consult with their vet promptly to ensure that their animals are fed on grains at an optimal level.
Ruminal acidosis is another condition that can occur in dairy cows fed on a diet rich in grains. This condition is common in cattle that accidentally gain access and consume large quantities of readily digestible carbohydrates, especially grains.
The clinical signs of ruminal acidosis range from simple indigestion to fatal illnesses, depending on the amount of grains consumed. Mildly affected animals have an enlarged abdomen, diarrhea, and anorexia, while severely affected animals are recumbent, have engorged abdomens, and profuse diarrhea.
Treatment and control of ruminal acidosis involve restricting water immediately if you suspect that the animals have consumed large quantities of concentrates, and severely affected animals are recommended for slaughter as the mortality rate is high even with the most rigorous of treatments.
Prevention of ruminal acidosis involves storing grains and concentrates safely to prevent animals from breaking in, and introducing animals to grain and concentrates gradually over a period of about three weeks.
