Don’t assume low milk fat indicates rumen acidosis

The cause of reduced milk fat in grazing cows may be somewhat different than that associated with classical acidosis on grain diets 

The cause of reduced milk fat in grazing cows may be somewhat different than that associated with classical acidosis on grain diets. Picture: David Creedon, Anzenberger

Questions on milk fat frequently arise for spring-calving herds fed high-quality grass during April and May.

The common assumption is that low milk fat indicates rumen acidosis, with negative consequences for herd health.