Acute acidosis can have other, less obvious effects
as well. During acute acidosis, ruminal pH drops to levels
between 4 and 5, the lining of the ruminal wall is
damaged, and abomasal and intestinal linings are
severely inflamed. As mentioned earlier, animals may
die suddenly or die later because of other acidosis-related
problems. Destruction of papillae (finger-like projections
lining the rumen wall that aid in absorption of
nutrients) in the rumen and damage to the linings of
intestines may result in poor absorption of nutrients,
resulting in low gains and poor feed efficiencies (“poor
doers”). Foundered cattle are an indication that acute
acidosis occurred 40 to 60 days previously. Most of the
problems associated with acute acidosis can be minimized
with proper bunk management.