Ruminal acidosis, bacterial changes, and lipopolysaccharides

Acute and subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) are common nutritional problems in both beef and dairy cattle. Therefore, the objective of this review is to describe how ruminal Gram-negative bacteria could contribute to the pathogenesis of ruminal acidoses, by releasing lipopolysaccharides (LPS; a component of their cell wall) in the ruminal fluid. When cattle consume excessive amounts of highly fermentable carbohydrates without prior adaptation, normal fermentation become disrupted. The fermentation of these carbohydrates quickly decreases ruminal pH due to the accumulation of short-chain fatty acids and lactate in the rumen. As a consequence, ruminal epithelium may be damaged and tissue function could be impaired, leading to a possible translocation of pathogenic substances from the rumen into the bloodstream. Such changes in fermentation are followed by an increase in Gram-positive bacteria while Gram-negative bacteria decrease. The lyses of Gram-negative bacteria during ruminal acidosis increase LPS concentration in the ruminal fluid. Because LPS is a highly proinflammatory endotoxin in the circulatory system, past studies have raised concerns regarding ruminal LPS contribution to the pathogenesis of ruminal acidosis. Although animals that undergo these disorders do not always have an immune response, recent studies showed that different Gram-negative bacteria have different LPS composition and toxicity, which may explain the differences in immune response. Given the diversity of Gram-negative bacteria in the rumen, evaluating the changes in the bacterial community during ruminal acidosis could be used as a way to identify which Gram-negative bacteria are associated with LPS release in the rumen. By identifying and targeting ruminal bacteria with possible pathogenic LPS, nutritional strategies could be created to overcome, or at least minimize, ruminal acidosis.