Step up dung inspection to reduce inflammation (Sept 25)

Systemic inflammation, often linked to gut issues, can also weaken hoof-horn quality and taking a closer look at manure can help identify risk factors.

TEXT EMMA MILLAR

Leaky gut occurs when the gut lining, a filter for nutrients, becomes damaged and allows harmful substances, including toxins and bacteria, to enter into the cow’s bloodstream. It can be the result of stress caused by diet changes, heat, or calving.

The result is inflammation, which diverts nutrients away from milk production and tissue repair. Inflammation can also reduce blood flow to the hoof, weakening horn growth and increases the risk of cracks, ulcers, and infections.

“Leaky gut can only be seen indirectly,” explains Zinpro’s Jonathan Huxtable. “Signs to look out for include loose, foamy or fibre-rich manure, which indicates poor gut function and nutrient absorption. When these symptoms show up alongside lameness, it often points to deeper gut-related issues.”

He says that producers can use changes in manure as a practical guide when adjusting feed strategies. One of the most effective tools is washing a cup of manure through a screen. “It’s a quick way to assess whether feed processing and digestion are working as they should,” he says.

Specialised screen

A specialised three-level screen helps separate coarse and fine materials, offering a more detailed look at what’s going on inside the cow.

Mr Huxtable points out that undigested grains, like barley or corn with visible white starch, signal that some feed energy is being wasted. “If those particles are hard, it may mean that the grinding or processing needs improvement to make starch more available for rumen microbes or enzymatic digestion in the lower gut.” He also highlights the issue of corn kernels from silage.

“When you see whole or partially digested kernels, it could mean the silage was too mature or dry. That makes the grain too hard for effective chewing and digestion. Choosing silage varieties with softer kernels can really help.”

Economic loss

Long forage particles in dung are another red flag. “If producers are seeing pieces longer than two centimetres, it may indicate an issue with rumen mat formation or insufficient chewing of the cud,” explains Mr Huxtable. “That can speed up the ration’s passage through the digestive tract and reduce fibre digestion. It may also point to a lack of rumen-available protein, which limits the activity of fibre-digesting microbes.”

He stresses that any feed passing through the cow undigested is a lost opportunity, representing wasted nutrients and a direct economic loss. And he warns that a mix of undigested grains, gas bubbles, and visible mucus in manure may indicate hindgut fermentation and poor gut health.

“That can allow endotoxins to enter the bloodstream, which may trigger short-term health issues. We often see these symptoms during periods of heat stress, and they’re sometimes linked to hoof problems after the summer,” he adds.

Manure colour is influenced by diet, bile concentration, and how fast the feed moves through the digestive system. “Pasture-fed cows usually produce dark-green manure, while hay-based diets result in dung that is browner in colour. High-grain diets tend to make it look greyish. If the passage is slow, the manure darkens and often forms shiny, ballshaped pieces due to a mucus coating.”

Dung consistency is another key indicator. “We score it from one to five, based on shape and texture. That tells us a lot including whether there’s rumen dysfunction, acidosis, protein or mineral imbalances, or even dehydration.”

When it comes to content, Mr Huxtable focuses on starch, fibre, and mucus. “If we find by-pass starch in the manure, that’s energy lost. Ideally, faecal starch should be less than 4.5%. Higher levels may mean that the starch processed insufficiently, or that rumen acidosis or rapid passage is interfering with digestion. It can also lower faecal pH due to fermentation in the large intestine.”

Nutritional support: ration is key to optimising herd mobility

Fibre digestion

Finally, he emphasises the importance of fibre digestion. “Using a three-level manure analysis allows producers to see if the rumen is doing its job. If undigested lignin, cellulose, or hemicellulose are found, it usually means there’s an imbalance in fibre digestion.

Trace minerals also play a key role in gut and hoof health. “Choosing the right source of trace minerals, such as zinc, manganese and copper, can make a big difference,” says Mr Huxtable.

Research shows that zinc-amino acid complexes improve gut integrity and reduce inflammation in heat-stressed ruminants. Minerals that are bound to amino acids, like those from Zinpro, are easier for the cow to absorb. They’ve been shown to reduce lameness, improve claw integrity, and support immune and reproductive function. And they also help maintain gut-barrier function and keratin production, particularly during times of stress.

“Leaky gut is a hidden issue that can impact cow health,” adds Mr Huxtable. “It compromises nutrient absorption, triggers inflammation, and contributes to hoof problems.

“While manure evaluation offers valuable insights, proactive nutritional strategies are essential. Supplementing rations with highly efficient trace minerals can strengthen gut integrity, reduce inflammation, and support hoof resilience. And this will, ultimately, improve cow welfare, productivity, and profitability.”