What physiological constraint arises if a yak diet is too high in grain concentrates?
Answer
Rumen pH can drop, inhibiting beneficial fiber-digesting microbes
The four-compartment stomach of the yak relies heavily on microbial fermentation in the large rumen, which functions optimally within a specific pH range. If the diet becomes disproportionately skewed towards rapidly digestible carbohydrates, such as starches found in grain concentrates, the fermentation process generates excessive acids. This acid buildup causes the rumen pH to decrease, creating an environment hostile to the specialized microbes responsible for breaking down tough cellulose and fiber, potentially leading to a serious condition known as acidosis.
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