Rumen health is fundamental to dairy and beef cattle welfare and is affected by nutrition and management.
Cows with subacute ruminal acidosis experience chronic discomfort from gut inflammation, reduced appetite, and downstream health problems including lameness and mastitis. High-concentrate diets required for high milk production predispose cows to SARA. Nutritional management that maintains rumen health — adequate roughage, gradual diet transitions, and careful concentrate management — is both a production and welfare priority.