Acidosis occurs when animals are fed large amounts of grain in the diet. This causes production of acids (most frequently lactic acid) in the rumen and can disturb rumen fermentation. Animals will go off feed and, if not helped, systemic acidosis will cause death. Acidosis in extreme cases can lead to enterotoxaemia.To prevent this from occurring, I recommend providing an ample amount of long hay and limit grain feeding. Always feed hay before grain and do not feed hungry animals with grain at once. Feeding baking soda in grain mix will raise the rumen pH and will buffer the stomach. In severe cases, emptying the rumen with a stomach tube and drenching a fresh chew of a healthy animal can save the sick animal.

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