Domestic ruminants under intensive management are fed diets containing high levels of readily fermentable carbohydrates (RFC), primarily starch.The rapid fermentation of starch leads to accumulation of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and lactic acid, which together lead to a decline in rumen pH.Acid tolerant bacteria such as Streptococcus bovis and lactobacilli start to proliferate rapidly and become the predominant bacteria.These bacteria produce lactic acid leading to a further drop in rumen pH and the development of fermentative lactic acidosis.