Liver abscesses are nothing new to beef packers, but the condition is more common in crossbreds. The incidence is rising in native and dairy-influenced cattle. There is not one clear cause of liver abscesses. However, it is widely accepted that they are more common in animals that experience ruminal acidosis, according to Kendall L. Samuelson, PhD, PAS.
Samuelson describes what happens when rumen pH is consistently below 5.8 and how that leads to liver abscesses.
Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, June 3, 2024. Link. Medicated feed additives are the primary tool available to combat abscesses.
INSIGHTS: This article is a good reminder for veterinary teams serving backgrounders and feeders as the makeup of fed cattle continues to change.