The use of silage rather than hay as the main winter fodder has increased the problem as cows eating silage excrete more urine and wetter faeces causing more problems with wet bedding and wet slurry in passageways. Dairy cows are fed starchy, high protein concentrated feeds in order to maintain high milk yields. These can lead to ruminal acidosis in which the rumen becomes increasingly acidic. Acidosis leads to inflammatory substances being released into the blood which supplies the sensitive laminae of the cows feet. The feet become hot, swollen and inflammed causing lameness.
Acidosis can also lead to the problem of ketosis.
Ketosis is a very common disease that occurs during early lactation and is due to the cows metabolism being pushed too hard in order to sustain milk yield. Cows with ketosis become progressively depressed and lethargic. In severe cases cows lose weight, become dehydrated and show nervous, agitated behaviour such as delerium, bellowing and walking in circles. This is caused by the sudden depletion of the body's calcium reserves due to the onset of milk production after giving birth. If untreated, the cow become progressively weaker and is unable to stand.