ISSUE FOCUS 22 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE June 2023 “Healthy cows perform better. Better performance can lead to greater production and profitability. Two things are vital when it comes to optimal rumen health: a stable, active, and healthy microbial population; and a suitable pH. The goal should be to minimize the time that rumen pH drops below 5.8. Thankfully, there are tips and tricks to combat the impact of heat stress on cow health.” Heat stress poses significant risks to both rumen and hoof health in dairy cows. With the potential to cause lameness and hinder overall performance, it is crucial to address the issue proactively. According to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development board, approximately one quarter of dairy cows may experience some degree of lameness at any given time, with the number of cows treated for lameness in early fall being more than twice as high as any other time of the year. This article explores the proactive measures that should be taken to prevent and detect lameness, focusing on rumen management and diet adjustments. By implementing effective strategies to combat the negative effects of heat stress, dairy farmers can safeguard their herd's health and productivity. MAINTAINING RUMEN HEALTH IN THE FACE OF HEAT STRESS Heat stress in dairy cows can cause rumen dysfunction, intestinal damage, and immunity suppression. Higher temperatures can lead to decreased feed consumption, milk production, milk fat yield, milk quality, and reproductive efficiency. How does this happen? During times of heat stress, cows will stand more, eat less, and are at an increased risk of periods of low rumen pH, also known as subacute rumen acidosis (SARA). A lower rumen pH leads to a decrease in the number of bacteria that can digest fiber in the ration. In turn, there is less food energy available to the cow. Other rumen fermentation functions, blood parameters, and metabolites are negatively impacted by a cow’s physiological responses to heat stress. This is due in large part to heat stress-induced pH decrease and leaky gut. Leaky gut is a condition characterized by a weakening of the intestinal lining, allowing bacteria and pathogens to pass through. The health of your herd starts with good rumen management. Healthy cows perform better. Better performance can lead to greater production and profitability. Two things are vital when it comes to optimal rumen health: a stable, active, and healthy microbial population; and a suitable pH. The goal should be to minimize the time that rumen pH drops below 5.8. Thankfully, there are tips and tricks to OVERCOMING HEAT STRESS: STRATEGIES FOR HOOF HEALTH IN DAIRY COWS Jeff Wheeler, M.S. National Accounts Manager, Ruminant Field Technical Specialist Diamond V
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