Adequate roughage provision is fundamental to rumen health in intensively fed cattle, with insufficient long fibre causing rumenitis, liver abscess, and lameness through acidosis-driven laminitis.
Chronic rumen acidosis from inadequate roughage in intensive cattle rations causes progressive welfare harm through rumenitis, liver abscess formation, laminitis, and lameness. The cascade from low rumen pH to liver abscess to lameness represents a welfare failure at multiple levels that is entirely preventable through appropriate ration formulation. Cattle on high-acidosis rations show reduced lying times, altered feeding patterns, and signs consistent with chronic abdominal pain. Ensuring adequate peNDF in total mixed rations and providing access to long hay for natural fibre selection provides both rumen health and behavioural welfare benefits.