By Ted Perry

Did you know a cow’s rumen is home to more than a quadrillion (yes, 1,000,000,000,000,000) essential microorganisms? These tiny microbes directly affect herd health. What you feed a cow can help maintain a healthy rumen microbe population and optimize nutrient digestion.

A quadrillion reasons

When you feed your cattle, you’re actually feeding an ecosystem of bacteria, protozoa and fungi. Rumen microbes work together to break down what a cow eats, turning the feed into energy and protein. Keeping microbes happy can keep cows productive and in the herd.

Here are three things you should know about rumen microbes:

1.     The macro on microbes

Understanding rumen microbes and their roles can help when reviewing your management and nutrition practices. Three main microorganisms are responsible for breaking down feed and forage into nutrients cattle can use.

Together, rumen microbes produce volatile fatty acids – acetic, butyric and propionic – which cows use as an energy source. This energy is used for maintenance, growth, lactation and reproduction, making these tiny microbes a very big deal.

2.   Balancing rumen pH

Rumen pH is never constant, but it’s vital to maintaining a healthy rumen microbe population. Microbes don’t appreciate change and can be easily wiped out with sudden pH fluctuations.

Naturally, pH goes down after each meal and rises again when the animal chews its cud. Ideal rumen pH should stay at 5.9 or above. However, poor quality feed, abrupt diet changes or stress can cause changes in rumen pH and lead to health problems.

3.     Keep microbes active

When the rumen environment is balanced, microbes flourish and remain active. Active microbes successfully breakdown feed and forage, allowing the cow to absorb nutrients. On the contrary, less active or inactive microbes fail to deliver necessary nutrients to the cow.

How do you keep microbes active? Consistent nutrition. Consistent, reliable nutrition can help maintain a stable rumen pH and allow microbes to thrive.

Cattle and their microbes rely on each other – neither would survive without the other. The science of nutrition is having a balanced diet – a diet that provides the nutrients required for optimal rumen health. Remember, consistent nutrition can help maintain a steady rumen pH and happy microbes. Happy microbes can efficiently digest and use nutrients, and better nutrient utilization can result in productive cows.

Talk to your nutritionist about ways to optimize your herd’s rumen health.

Perry is a cattle nutritionist with Purina Animal Nutrition