Managing hindgut acidosis of beef cattle with rumen protected calcium gluconate
Intestinal health of beef feedlot cattle is essential for optimal growth, feed efficiency and productivity. While the focus often rests on the rumen, the hindgut plays a critical role in the digestive processes and general health of beef cattle. Hindgut fermentation of excessive carbohydrate that are typical for beef feedlot diets can result in hindgut acidosis. Hindgut acidosis in beef cattle can have a negative impact on gastrointestinal microbiota and on gut barrier function, leading to a phenomenon called “leaky gut”[1] . As a result of leaky gut, bacterial endotoxins can reach the blood circulation. This causes systemic inflammation and activation of the immune system[2] , with a significant energy cost for the animal. Systemic immune activation can alos cause a reduction of dry matter intake[3] , leading to a further negative impact on growth performance of beef cattle.
Risk factors for rumen acidosis of beef cattle also increase the risk for hindgut acidosis. Signs commonly associated with rumen acidosis of cattle, such as loose and frothy faeces with mucin casts, are also common in beef cattle with hindgut acidosis[4] .
Nutritional interventions aimed at reducing the risk of hindgut acidosis in dairy cows should target the hindgut[5] . Trials with Selko LactiBute, containing rumen protected calcium gluconate have shown to improve gut barrier function, to change the volatile fatty acid profile in faeces and to increase milk production of dairy cows[7,8,9]
