[Jacob-list] Ram Overdosed on Corn

[Linda]

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*_Acidosis:_*
This is a very common problem in lambs consuming a high grain diet, 
usually when finishing for market. Acidosis can affect any age sheep, 
but most breeding animals do not receive high enough levels of grain for 
it to be of a practical problem (unless of course they obtain unwanted 
access to high levels of grains).

Acidosis is simply the over-consumption of highly fermentable starch or 
carbohydrates. Known also as grain overload. What happens when sheep 
over consume grain is that more lactic acid is produced through 
bacterial breakdown of the starch than bacteria can utilize or remove 
from the rumen. This excess lactic acid then decreases the pH (makes it 
more acidic) of the rumen. This results in an upset rumen, diarrhea, 
lowering of feed consumption, a fever, etc. Also, some of the excess 
lactic acidic can be absorbed into the bloodstream, lowering the pH of 
the blood. This can cause foundering and even liver damage.

Lactic acidosis can be a serious health concern, and can cause death, in 
serious cases, and founder, and poor growth in less extreme cases. The 
best prevention of acidosis is to take the time to properly adjust lambs 
to high grain diets. It takes two to three weeks to move a lamb up from 
a primarily forage diet to a high grain diet. It actually is time needed 
for the microbial population to shift to utilize the lactic acid being 
produced. Do not increase the amount of grain more than one-fourth pound 
per lamb per day when working the grain content of a diet up. Also, keep 
grains in a secure area so escaping sheep do not have access to 
overindulge on them.

If sheep do get acidosis, the best treatment is to try to neutralize the 
acid in the rumen. This is done with baking soda diluted with water and 
physically drenching the sheep or the free choice feeding of it (if they 
will eat it). Also, treating the sheep with an anti-inflammatory agent 
(banamine or aspirin) will help reduce fever and founder problems. 
Treating them with an antibiotic is also recommended.



Jason Anders wrote:

> Hello Everyone:

>  

> Our ram decided to sneak into the corn supply and eat a lot of corn 

> Sunday morning.  This morning he has very loose stools and tonight he 

> doesn't seem to be himself.  He's still eating, just maybe acting a 

> little slower.  Any words of wisdom out there?  Thanks so much.

>  

> Jason Anders

> Rocky Top Jacobs

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

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-- 
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Registered Jacob Sheep

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