Reticuloruminal disturbances in the bovine

Abstract

The forestomach of the ruminant animal is a highly effective energy-producing factory which can utilize a wide variety of feedstuffs. Many complex interactions occur within the forestomachs to digest, mix, and absorb nutrients from feed. Slight alterations in forestomach balance can lead to severe alterations in function, such as hypomotility, hypermotility, bloat, acidosis, or putrefaction. It is essential to understand and be able to treat and prevent forestomach disease in cattle. Some of the most common diseases are reviewed here, possible treatments given, and the use of motility-enhancing drugs is briefly discussed.