Summarize this article in one sentence.
Keeping track of weight gain or loss and general response to a the type of feed you give to your cattle will help you maintain them throughout the year. Also keep track of your cows requirements based on their reproductive cycles. You may need to change what you're feeding when its necessary according to what's available and what's not, and what your animals need. Remember, any drastic changes to feeds needs to be made gradually, like if you are switching from hay to silage or from coarse hay to pasture. This is especially important when switching from hay to grain. Also, introduce grain or any high-energy diet slowly (at a rate of only 1 to 2 pounds (0.45 to 0.91kg) per day) to avoid bloat, grain-overload, or acidosis. Acidosis is a common malady, caused when the diet is switched so rapidly that the microflora in the rumen have no time to "switch over." This causes a sudden decrease in pH level in the rumen and encourage lactic acid-producing bacteria to increase in population, further decreasing pH in the rumen. The animal will go off feed, have stinky grey foamy diarrhea, and can even die. Bloat is another malady that is dangerous to cattle when suddenly switched diets. Bloat is when the rumen is unable to release the gases that are formed from the process of fermentation, and cause discomfort to the animal, and even presses on the lungs and diaphragm leading to death by asphyxiation. Bloat needs to be treated immediately to avoid such consequences.
Keep track of body condition. Do not suddenly switch diets on cattle.