Advice on how to use starch correctly and avoid acidosis

Cereal-Feed Exchange (CFE) feeds contain a significant proportion of cereals and are therefore very rich in starch. Starch is the ultimate source of energy, the most efficient because it is the least expensive. It has one major drawback: when it breaks down too quickly, the pH of the rumen decreases and the risk of acidosis arises.

Acidosis is now very prevalent in French dairy herds: it is estimated that nearly 80% of herds suffer from acidosis or subacidosis. In addition to its negative effects on the rumen bacterial population and the resulting decrease in feed efficiency, acidosis has a detrimental effect on the reproduction of dairy cows. Over the past decade, the success rate of first AI has been steadily declining: it is currently around 42%. One of the causes of this phenomenon is the inflammation caused by acidosis in the uterine matrix, which acts as a contraceptive.

Two levers to properly utilise starch and prevent acidosis

The first is to slow down the rate of starch degradation by adding essential oils (VivActiv’® AmiViv’) to ECA feed. The second is to maintain a good pH level in the rumen and intestine and to stimulate the activity of rumen bacteria and intestinal enzymes. To achieve this, products from the Practical Acidosis Management range are used (see box).

Valentine AUROY – CCPA

Practical Acidosis Management products