Digestive disorders are a major health concern in dairy farms, affecting cow productivity and well-being.
In this post, I’ll share some of the most common digestive problems I’ve encountered in the field, along with their causes, signs, and preventive tips.
1. Acidosis
- What is it? Excess acid in the rumen due to high-grain, low-fiber diets
- Signs: Reduced appetite, loose manure, low milk fat
- Prevention: Balanced diet, fiber, buffers
2. Bloat
- Cause: Rapid fermentation of feed or legumes
- Signs: Swollen left side, discomfort
- Prevention: Consistent feeding, anti-bloat supplements
3. Indigestion
- Cause: Spoiled feed, stress, abrupt feed change
- Signs: Mild colic, low feed intake
- Prevention: Avoid poor-quality feed and sudden diet shifts
4. Displaced Abomasum
- Cause: Gas buildup, often after calving
- Signs: Drop in milk, pinging sound, ketosis
- Prevention: Manage post-calving nutrition and monitor high-risk cows
5. Hardware Disease
- Cause: Swallowed metal objects
- Signs: Fever, arched back, decreased rumination
- Prevention: Use rumen magnets and clean feeding areas
Maintaining digestive health is essential for high-performing cows.
As a vet, I believe that prevention and early detection are the most effective tools we have.
Written by:
Masoud Doosti, DVM, DVSc
Veterinarian specialized in dairy cattle
