The Reindeer Rumen Blues A novice reindeer farmer was becomi

The Reindeer Rumen Blues A novice reindeer farmer was becoming a bit concerned about the higher costs of hay so he switched to a cheaper brand of feed called Chow Down. After a few days with Chow Down, all the reindeer appeared ill, they were lethargic and had no appetite. Immediately the farmer ca a veterinarian and the reindeer were diagnosed with rumen acidosis, a buildup of acid in the rumen. The reindeer had a high concentration of Streptococcus bovis in the rumen; 1, 010 cells/ml compared to a concentration of 106 to 107 cells/ml for all other bacteria. The veterinarian and the farmer investigated the Chow Down ingredients and to their dismay discovered it consisted primarily of grain. The veterinarian advised that next time the farmer gradually switch to the grain diet. Use the rumen biochemical pathway to answer the questions. How did a sudden switch to grain lead to the rumen acidosis? Which end product was responsible? What happened to the other organic acids? Why did the veterinarian suggest a gradual change to the grain diet?

Solution

1.Sudden switch to grain lead to rumen acidosis because high levels of starch, gives rise to high levels of fermenters.These high level of fermenters generate high levels of acidity and gases by production of lactate,acetate,butyrate,propionate and volatile fatty acids that decrease the pH of the stomach.Decrease in pH favours the growth of acid resistant microorganisms.The result is stomach bloating and acidosis.Lactate was responsible for acidosis.

2.The other organic acids are mostly absorbed through the stomach wall.Butyric acid is mostly metabolised to ketone body and some remains in circulation as beta hydroxybutyrate.Propionate is mosly metabolised to lactic acid and is also used for gluconeogenesis.Acetate is converted to carbon dioxide and some is used as acetylcoA to be used in citric acid cycle.

3.The veterinanian suggested a gradual change to the grain diet because sudden change will destroy the functioning of the rumen.Gradual change in diets will allow the rumen microbial populations to adjust to the changes in diet.It will help minimise the non functioning of rumen and also reducethe risk of acidosis.