Rumen health is foundational to cattle welfare, with subacute and acute rumen acidosis causing significant suffering, lameness, and systemic disease that is largely preventable through appropriate diet management.
SARA causes chronic rumen inflammation, reduced feed efficiency, and laminitis as gram-negative bacteria die and release endotoxins. The association between SARA and laminitis means dairy cows suffering from acidosis face a dual welfare burden from both the acidotic disease process and painful feet. The condition is largely preventable through appropriate transition diet management and forage provision throughout lactation. Regular rumen pH monitoring using boluses or rumenocentesis provides objective data that can guide diet management and reduce acidosis incidence.