However, the
presence of ruminal endotoxin for a longer time period, such as
during early lactation when cows are fed diets rich in concentrates,
and the resulting development of the inflammatory processes
might be associated with negative consequences for the host. On
one hand, for example, the host becomes tolerant or refractory to
the prolonged presence of endotoxin, and these states generally
are associated by suppression of the immune system and the subsequent
increased susceptibility to various diseases