Digestive disorders including ruminal acidosis and bloat are significant welfare problems in cattle and sheep, often linked to dietary management in intensive production systems.
Ruminal acidosis causes chronic discomfort that reduces feeding time, depresses milk production, and predisposes cattle to lameness and liver abscesses. The condition is caused by dietary management that prioritizes production efficiency over digestive health. Subclinical acidosis is particularly insidious — it compromises welfare without obvious signs that prompt intervention. Dietary formulation that maintains appropriate fiber levels and pH-buffering capacity prevents acidosis without sacrificing production goals. This is an area where welfare-optimal management aligns with production performance.