Rumen acidosis is a common metabolic welfare problem in cattle on high-concentrate diets, causing pain, reduced feed intake, liver abscesses, and systemic health consequences.
Rumen acidosis causes significant suffering through rumen wall inflammation, systemic endotoxaemia, and secondary conditions including laminitis and liver abscesses. SARA is particularly insidious because clinical signs are subtle and intermittent. Gradual dietary transitions, appropriate roughage inclusion, feeding management, and use of rumen buffers significantly reduce prevalence. Continuous pH monitoring enables early intervention before welfare is seriously compromised.