Displaced Abomasum in Dairy Cattle: Etiological Factors

Displacement of the abomasum in dairy cows is occurring with increasing frequency in the United States and probably in other areas of the world where dairying is practiced intensively. The primary causative factor appears to be an atony of the abomasum accompanied by dilatation and accumulation of gas. Factors contributing to atony and ultimately to displacement include stress of parturition, toxemia due to concurrent disorders such as metritis or mastitis, and metabolic disorders especially milk fever and ketosis. Genetic and mechanical effects seem to play a minor role in etiology of this disorder. Preventive measures indude minimum grain and corn silage prepartum with other forage ad libitum and the best known management practices to reduce other parturient disorders.