J. Anim Sci.
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J. Anim Sci. 1975. 41:1249-1255.
© 1975 American Society of Animal Science
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Analyses of Rumen Fluid from "Sudden Death," Lactic Acidotic and Healthy Cattle Fed High Concentrate Ration1

J. R. Wilson2, E. E. Bartley3, H. D. Anthony4, B. E. Brent5, D. A. Sapienza5, T. E. Chapman6, A. D. Dayton7, R. J. Milleret8, R. A. Frey8 and R. M. Meyer3

Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506

Abstract

The sudden death syndrome (SDS) is a relatively new problem in the feedlot industry. With SDS, apparently healthy cattle in late finishing die suddenly with no sign of sickness or lesions indicative of other diseases. Rumen fluid pH, histamine, total lactate, L(+) lactate and volatile fatty acids (VFA) were compared among 19 SDS cattle, two animals with lactic acidosis produced through grain engorgement, and six healthy feedlot cattle maintained on a high energy finishing ration more than 100 days. Rumen fluid from the lactic acidotic cattle was high in lactic acid and histamine concentrations, low in pH, and low in total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration. The rumen fluid from feedlot steers used as controls had moderately high total VFA concentrations, narrow acetate-to-propionate ratios, low lactic acid concentrations, no histamine, and pH below 6. Concentrations of lactic acid, histamine, and total VFA varied in rumen fluid from SDS cattle. There was no relationship between SDS and rumen pH, or the concentrations of histamine, lactic acid or total VFA.

Footnotes

1 Contribution No. 883, Department of Dairy and Poultry Sciences, No. 5, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, No. 458, Department of Animal Science, No. 119, Department of Physiological Sciences, No. 233, Department of Statistics, and No. 168, Department of Surgery and Medicine, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station, Manhattan. Data in this paper are in part from a thesis submitted by the senior author in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the M.S. degree in Dairy Production at Kansas State University. Analyses of histamine were by Dr. Glenn Clark, Department of Animal Science, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston. Dr. Clark's help is gratefully acknowledged.

2 Present address: 3269 47th Street, Kirtland AFB East, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87116.

3 Department of Dairy and Poultry Sciences.

4 Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.

5 Department of Animal Science.

6 Department of Physiological Sciences.

7 Department of Statistics.

8 Department of Surgery and Medicine.




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T. G. Nagaraja and E. C. Titgemeyer
Ruminal Acidosis in Beef Cattle: The Current Microbiological and Nutritional Outlook
J Dairy Sci, June 1, 2007; 90(13_suppl): E17 - E38.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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