Why is My Cow Not Eating? A Diagnostic Checklist
Is it rumen acidosis, simple indigestion, or climatic fever? A simple troubleshooting guide for dairy farmers.
Is it Indigestion, Acidosis, or Fever?
When a cow suddenly stops eating (goes 'off-feed'), it is a warning sign that requires diagnostic action. A cow's rumen is a delicate fermentation vat. Major causes of off-feed behavior include acute or subclinical rumen acidosis (from eating too much grain/concentrate), simple indigestion (from moldy feed or sudden ration changes), or a high fever caused by infection (such as mastitis, metritis, or tick fever).
Step 1: Check the Rumen Movement
Place your firm fist on the cow's left flank (the triangle behind the ribs). You should feel a firm, wave-like contraction (the rumen pushing against your hand) 2 to 3 times every two minutes. If you feel no movement or a soft, fluid-filled gas pocket, the rumen has stopped contracting (rumen atony), which indicates acidosis or severe indigestion.
Step 2: Check Temperature and Udder
Take the cow's rectal temperature using a digital thermometer. Normal cattle temperature is 101.5°F (38.6°C). A high temperature (>103°F) indicates an infection like tick-borne fever or mastitis. Check all four quarters of the udder for swelling, heat, or watery milk. Examine her discharge post-calving for metritis.
Step 3: Correcting Rumen Acidosis
If the cow ate excessive grains and has watery diarrhea, she is likely suffering from acidosis. Provide clean water and free-choice dry wheat straw (bhusa) which stimulates chewing and saliva (a natural buffer). Feed 100-150g of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) mixed with water to neutralize rumen acidity. Avoid feeding concentrates for 24-48 hours.
Check left-flank rumen contractions, take rectal temperature, and inspect the udder. For acidosis, feed dry bhusa and baking soda while avoiding concentrates until appetite returns.