Different forms of rumen dystonia in dairy cows.

Four naturally occurring main forms of rumen dystonia of alimentary origin were observed in cattle: acidotic conditions; microflora inactivity; acidosis, and alkalosis. The following disturbances in the metabolism of carbohydrates, protein and energy were observed: 1. Acidotic conditions in rumen--ruminal pH, total and protein nitrogen decreased, whereas the total amount of VFA and the reduction activity of bacteria increased. 2. Inactivity of rumen microflora--significant changes of pH of rumen fluid were not observed, but the total number and activity of infusoria decreased. Fermentation of glucose, digestibility of cellulose, and reduction activity of bacteria decreased, whereas the amount of non-protein nitrogen increased. 3. Acidosis--ruminal pH, reduction activity of bacteria, and total number of VFA decreased. The percentage ratio between VFA changed--acetic acid concentration decreased, the concentration of valeric and caproic acids increased. The amount of total and non-protein nitrogen increased. 4. Alkalosis--ruminal pH increased, reduction activity of bacteria, fermentation of glucose, and concentration of VFA decreased. The amount of total and non-protein nitrogen increased. This investigation of different forms of rumen dystonia of alimentary origin is believed to be useful for the development of more effective treating methods and measures.