DISPLACEMENT OF THE ABOMASUM IN ADULT CAT TLE IN EAST-GERMANY - INCIDENCE, ETIOLOGY AND PREVENTION

The incidences of abomasal displacement (DA) have seriously increased since 1993 resp. 1994. Mainly changes of the genetical structure (exte nsive interbreeding of HF in Black Pied Cows) and feeding (energy-rich , but reduced crude fibre, introduction of total mixed rations) occure d in the ten farms, as epidemiological studies showed. This resulted i n an increase of the milk yield by an average of 1399 kg from 1989 unt il 1995. A serious increase of DA occured, that is in 7 farms with Bla ck Pied Cows the average amounted 3.95 per cent and in the 3 farms wit h HF the average was 8.6 per cent since 1994 resp. 1993. The sudden in crease in DA could most probably be explained with the (non correct) i ntroduction of TMR and genetical predisposition of HF. During the cour se of the investigation, from birth until 3 weeks post partum, it beca me obvious in three cows, which later suffered from DA, that they had endured a stressed energy metabolism and had been seriously effected b y stress as well as by endotoxin since birth. DA, occuring relatively short after birth, is part of the fat mobilisation syndrom. A monitori ng system which controlls the BHB, K and the number of leukocytes on t he third day post partum is suggested as well as prophylactic measures against any deviating parameters.