The invention described herein relates to: the use of an effective inhibitor of a bacterial .alpha.-amylase and/or .alpha.-glucosidase in the manufacture of a composition for the treatment of acidosis; a method of treatment of rumen acidosis which comprises administration of an effective amount of an effective inhibitor of a bacterial .alpha.-amylase and/or .alpha.-glucosidase to a ruminant; a formulation suitable for the treatment of acidosis in an animal which comprises an effective inhibitor of a bacterial .alpha.-amylase and/or .alpha.-glucosidase in admixture with a suitable excipient, diluent or carrier selected with regard to the intended route of administration and standard pharmaceutical/veterinary/farming practice; screening methods useful in the identification of a suitable inhibitor of a bacterial .alpha.-amylase and/or .alpha.-glucosidase for the treatment of acidosis in a ruminant; a process for improving ruminant milk quality and/or quantity which comprises treatment of a ruminant with an effective amount of an inhibitor of bacterial .alpha.-amylase and/or .alpha.-glucosidase; a compound of the formula I: ##STR00001## or veterinarily acceptable salt, solvate (including hydrate) or prodrug thereof; and processes to make an effective inhibitor of a bacterial .alpha.-amylase and/or .alpha.-glucosidase useful for the treatment of acidosis in a ruminant.