Displaced abomasum (DA) is one of the most common and serious diseases in dairy cows, especially in the early postpartum period. This condition not only directly affects the health and welfare of cows but also causes significant economic losses for farmers by reducing milk production and increasing treatment costs. Let’s explore with Vemedim the causes, signs, treatment methods, and prevention strategies for this disease so it can be effectively managed in dairy herds right away.
What is displaced abomasum?
The abomasum is the fourth stomach of cattle, usually located at the bottom of the abdomen. Displaced abomasum occurs when this stomach becomes gas-filled and moves from its normal position to the left (LDA – Left Displaced Abomasum) or to the right (RDA – Right Displaced Abomasum).
Among these, LDA is more common, but RDA is more dangerous due to the risk of abomasal torsion, which can lead to a medical emergency. Displaced abomasum not only causes discomfort and pain in cows but also reduces milk yield, affects reproductive performance, and increases the risk of culling, resulting in significant economic losses.
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Causes of displaced abomasum
Displaced abomasum often occurs shortly after calving, due to a combination of many factors, including:
- Postpartum abdominal anatomical changes: During pregnancy, the enlarged uterus pushes the abomasum out of place. After calving, the uterus shrinks, creating empty space in the abdomen, allowing the stomach to move more easily.
- Loss of rumen tone: Milk fever, ketosis, or other metabolic diseases cause the rumen to contract poorly, making it easier to accumulate gas and allowing the abomasum to shift.
- Other factors: Diets low in fiber, high in starch, or sudden changes in ration are also risk factors.
- Right displaced abomasum, although less common, carries a high risk of abomasal torsion and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Some factors that increase the likelihood of cows developing zz include:
- Season: LDA often occurs more frequently in late winter and early spring when cows are housed more indoors.
- Breed: Holsteins (high-producing, deep-bodied) are at higher risk.
- Parity: Cows with multiple calvings are more prone to DA.
- Body condition score (BCS): Overly fat or overly thin cows; cows with BCS >3.5 at calving eat less and are more prone to ketosis.
- Concurrent diseases:
- Milk fever or hypocalcemia
- Ketosis (cows with ketosis have a 4.4 times higher risk of LDA).
- Retained placenta, uterine infection
- Endogenous infections (metritis, mastitis).
- Diet: High-starch, low-fiber feed or low dry matter intake.
Signs of displaced abomasum
DA usually appears in cows in lactation from the 3rd to the 5th week and in the first week after calving, with the highest incidence about two weeks postpartum. Main signs include:
- Reduced milk production, often a sudden drop.
- Reduced rumination and refusal to eat concentrate feed while still eating roughage.
- Cows may become lethargic, lose weight, and grow slowly if not treated.
If the condition persists, the cow has a high risk of death due to abomasal torsion or metabolic disorders.
Treatment and prevention of displaced abomasum
Owners should not attempt to handle the condition on their own when they notice signs in cows; they should contact a veterinarian immediately for an accurate diagnosis and timely treatment. Treatment includes:
- Repositioning the abomasum using conservative methods (manual decompression or trocarization) or surgery if needed.
- At the same time, the cow should be treated for underlying diseases such as milk fever, ketosis, and metritis to improve recovery and reduce the risk of recurrence.
- Supplementing oral fluids, propylene glycol, or other supportive therapies helps improve rumen tone and feed intake.
Prevention of DA should be carried out at both herd and individual levels, including:
Herd level:
- Monitor and control periparturient diseases such as milk fever, ketosis, and metritis.
- Ensure adequate and continuous rumen fill and feed intake, minimizing group changes during the transition period.
- Maintain appropriate body condition before and after calving, avoiding excessive BCS gain during the dry period.
Individual level:
- Identify and treat concurrent diseases early.
- Use oral fluid therapy and propylene glycol to restore rumen tone and stimulate appetite.
- Monitor negative energy balance through BHB and NEFA.
Displaced abomasum is a dangerous disease but can be controlled if farmers and veterinarians work closely together in early diagnosis, timely treatment, and effective prevention. Proper diet management, monitoring cow health around calving, and quick intervention when abnormal signs appear will help reduce the incidence of DA and improve the economic efficiency of the dairy herd. If you need advice on solutions for herd care, please contact Vemedim for support.
