Question

The following quote is taken from a university extension publication for farmers:
"Grain poisoning, also known as grain overload or lactic acidosis, is usually the result of stock consuming large quantities of grain or pellets to which they are unaccustomed. Pasture-fed cows or feedlot cattle not yet adapted to grain may become acutely ill or die after eating only moderate amounts of grain, whereas stock accustomed to diets high in grain content may consume large amounts of grain with little or no effect."
What is happening in the digestive system of the livestock that causes grain poisoning and why does a gradual shift in diet avoid this problem?

Answer

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