If we’re expecting excellent health and productivity from our cows, we need to make sure the rumen is balanced, from dry-off to calving. Managing this transition properly gives dry cows better condition gain and improved recovery post-calving. These benefits directly impact appetite, which is a primary indicator of rumen performance.
Minimising condition loss post-calving helps reduce the number of days to the first cycle and improves reproductive performance. Additionally, a stable rumen improves feed conversion efficiency, which drives better milk production and weight gains. Cow health and reduced lameness are also closely linked to rumen stability.
Understanding rumen function
The rumen functions as a fermentation chamber, housing a diverse microbial population, which, if managed correctly, promotes nutrient absorption. Effective rumen management involves maintaining the balance of good bacteria. This requires rumen pH to be maintained within a tight, stable range. If the rumen falls out of its ideal pH range, even for short periods, the rumen ecosystem will change quickly. Under these conditions microbial populations change rapidly and pathogenic species will become more dominant. This change interferes with the critical volatile fatty acid (VFA) and bypass protein production flowing from the rumen. Once these microbial species take hold, they start producing endotoxins that rapidly find their way into the bloodstream. If left unchecked they will begin poisoning the system by lowering immunity while also acting to restrict blood flow to peripheral tissues. This is particularly detrimental to the health of the hoof and is a leading cause of lameness.
Appetite and rumen performance
Appetite and rumen performance are closely related. High appetite is achieved when the rumen digests feed efficiently, releasing VFAs and other metabolites. This balance maintains high milk production and cow health. Proper rumen function helps prevent subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA), where the rumen fails to maintain ideal pH levels during grazing and rumination.
Stress has a direct impact on appetite and rumination. Rumen stability relies on consistent feeding and dietary change management, both of which minimise stress. Inconsistent feeding is a major stressor, leading to rumen instability and reduced performance.
Tools for rumen stability
Several tools can aid in rumen stability:
- Effective fibre: Fibre in physical form, like hay or straw, scratches the rumen wall, stimulates rumination, and maintains a healthy rumen environment.
- Calsea: Calsea is a rumen buffer that stabilises pH for up to eight hours and provides efficient calcium supplementation. It fills the gaps between milkings, helping to manage rumen stability during the transition period.
- Live yeast: A good yeast population reduces free oxygen in the rumen, enhancing the environment for anaerobic bacteria and improving rumen stability. Yeasts, being a form of fungi, are the primary digestors of cellulose in the rumen. Yeast cells have a short lifecycle – once they break down the cellulose, they then become valuable food for bacteria and other organisms in the rumen. The yeast cell wall is a valuable source of energy and protein. Live yeast works very differently from Calsea, but the two complement each other well as they both balance rumen activity and stability.
- Betaine: Improves rumen microbe performance and supports energy metabolism. It acts as a methyl donor and helps clean out the liver, improving glucogenesis.
- Anionic salts and minerals: These assist in rumen papilla growth and calcium absorption during the pre-calving transition period.
- Lactation minerals: Adequate levels of calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, and sodium, along with a full range of trace elements are essential post-calving. Adequate supplementation ensures storage levels are replenished back into bone, organs, and tissues, while also maintaining productive and reproductive requirements.
- Protein, sugar, and starch: These provide necessary nutrients for rumen microbes, improving overall performance. Balanced feeding of these components supports microbial growth and nutrient release.
Monitoring cow behaviour
Monitoring cow behaviour, such as grazing patterns and rumination minutes, provides valuable insights into rumen health. Changes in manure consistency, milk production, and fat percentage can indicate the rumen is not functioning well. High appetite and efficient rumination are signs of good rumen function. Correct interpretation of cow wearable data can also be very helpful in monitoring and diagnosing issues before they become a problem.
Sub-acute ruminal acidosis (SARA)
SARA is a condition where the rumen pH drops to suboptimal levels, causing microbial imbalances and reduced cow performance. It often results from high-starch diets or rapid dietary changes. Symptoms include decreased appetite, poor digestion, and inconsistent manure. Managing SARA involves consistent feeding, good fibre intake, and using a rumen buffer such as Calsea, along with live yeast to increase rumen performance and resilience.
Calving stress and recovery
Calving is a highly stressful period for cows, impacting rumen function and overall health. To reduce stress and support recovery, we want to be properly managing the transition and early lactation periods. As in SARA management, it’s important to ensure cows are receiving consistent feeding, adequate fibre, and rumen buffers like Calsea and live yeast to maintain rumen stability and improve recovery.
Practical steps for farmers
- Maintain a consistent feeding schedule to minimise stress and support rumen stability.
- Make sure cows have access to physical fibre to promote rumination and rumen health.
- Use rumen buffers like Calsea to stabilise rumen pH and support cow health during transitions.
- Monitor cow behaviour and manure consistency for signs of rumen instability.
- Gradually transition feeds to allow rumen microbiota to adapt and prevent damage.
Effective rumen management will improve and maintain cow health and productivity. With consistent feeding, adequate fibre, and the use of appropriate supplements, farmers can achieve optimal rumen performance and overall health of their herds.
Talk to your vet or Agvance consultant today about better rumen management for your herd.