What is Acidosis?
Acidosis is a lowering of the rumen pH due to the build-up of acids, especially excess lactic acid.

scarred papillae

What Does Acidosis do to a Dairy Cow?
This pH reduction in the rumen sets off a cascade of events that can lead to rumenitis (scarring of the rumen wall), ruminal stasis (loss of ruminal contractions), and other metabolic problems. Low pH also kills ruminal microorganisms, resulting in decreased feed utilization and endotoxin release. Endotoxins can trigger histamine release which causes blood vessel constriction and possible laminitis.

What is a Lactic Acid Utilizer?
In the rumen starch from grain is converted to glucose, which is then metabolized by rumen microbes to lactic acid. When in balance, lactic acid is converted to propionate, acetate and butyrate by microorganisms that are generally classified as lactic acid utilizers. Priority DCP is a natural rumen organism that after fed converts lactic acid to propionate and acetate and is therefore a "lactate utilizer".

healthy papillae

What Advantages does a Lactic Acid Utilizer Provide:
The major advantage is a reduction in lactic acid via conversion of lactic acid to propionate. Lactic acid reduction also helps control rumen pH. Propionate production from lactic acid is also more desirable for glucose synthesis (the major source of energy) in the liver. The conversion of starch to lactic acid to propionate means that the cow will be more efficient (more energy from the same amount of feed) at converting feed to energy.