The role of endotoxins in induced ruminal acidosis in calves

Experimentally induced ruminal acidosis was carried out in 4 calves to investigate the possibility of resorption of endotoxins from Gram negative bacteria originating from the gastro-intestinal tract. The ruminal acidosis was induced by overfeeding of oats and the effect was evaluated by clinical and blood biochemical changes. Blood samples were collected every 2 h for 60 h before and after experimental feeding. The animals showed signs of ruminal acidosis and also the clinical and blood biochemical changes were similar to those seen after experimental endotoxaemia. However, although being less dramatic the changes in many relevant parameters such as an increase in prostaglandin F metabolite levels, body temperature, endotoxins and a decrease in iron indicate that an endotoxaemic state had occurred. The results of the present study show that ruminal acidosis/stasis is linked to resorption of endotoxins from the gastro-intestinal tract causing endotoxaemia/endotoxicosis.