| Autor: |
Minami NS; Department of Clinical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (FMVZ/USP), 05509-270 São Paulo, Brazil., Sousa RS; Department of Clinical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (FMVZ/USP), 05509-270 São Paulo, Brazil., Oliveira FLC; Department of Clinical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (FMVZ/USP), 05509-270 São Paulo, Brazil., Dias MRB; Department of Clinical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (FMVZ/USP), 05509-270 São Paulo, Brazil., Cassiano DA; Department of Clinical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (FMVZ/USP), 05509-270 São Paulo, Brazil., Mori CS; Department of Clinical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (FMVZ/USP), 05509-270 São Paulo, Brazil., Minervino AHH; Laboratory of Animal Health, LARSANA, Federal University of Western Pará, UFOPA, 68040-255 Santarém, Brazil., Ortolani EL; Department of Clinical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (FMVZ/USP), 05509-270 São Paulo, Brazil. |
| Abstrakt: |
We evaluated the clinical aspects and feeding behavior of cattle with subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) caused by short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Ten healthy Nelore heifers were subjected to an adjusted SARA induction protocol using citrus pulp (CP). Clinical examinations were performed at baseline and at 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 24 h intervals after induction, with ruminal fluid, blood, and feces sampling. The animals' feeding behavior was evaluated on, before, and for 3 days after SARA by observing the animals every 5 min for 24 h. The dry matter intake (DMI) was recorded daily. The ruminal pH during SARA was always lower than baseline, with an acidotic duration of 547 ± 215 min, a minimum pH of 5.38 ± 0.16, and an average pH of 5.62 ± 0.1. SARA was mainly caused by SCFAs (maximum 118.4 ± 9.3 mmol/L), with the production of l-lactic acids (7.17 mmol/L) and d-lactic acids (0.56 mmol/L) 6 h after the experiment began. The DMI was reduced by 66% and 48% on days 1 and 2, respectively, and returned to normal levels on day 3. SARA caused a reduction in feed intake and rumination time, as well as an increase in the time spent in decubitus on days 1 and 2. These results were influenced by the ruminal pH, ruminal movement, and osmolarity. Furthermore, SARA caused different degrees of depression, which became more pronounced with higher ruminal lactic acid concentrations. |
