Rumen acidosis is one of the most common metabolic diseases in dairy and beef cattle, causing chronic pain, reduced intake and secondary complications that significantly impair welfare.
Rumen acidosis represents a significant and often unrecognised welfare problem in intensive dairy and beef production. Subacute acidosis may not cause obvious clinical signs but causes chronic discomfort and contributes to laminitis, reduced fertility and immune suppression. Dietary management that ensures adequate fibre intake and appropriate transition to higher energy diets prevents most cases.