Rumen health is fundamental to dairy cow welfare, with subacute rumen acidosis being a widespread and underdiagnosed welfare problem.
SARA represents widespread chronic welfare harm in dairy production that is largely hidden. Affected cows experience digestive discomfort from low rumen pH that impairs rumination and normal digestive function. The secondary welfare effects of SARA including laminitis and liver abscess formation cause substantial pain and lasting harm. SARA is largely preventable through appropriate diet formulation with sufficient effective fibre and balanced starch delivery. The welfare case for investment in dietary management to prevent SARA is compelling and economically justified through reduced laminitis treatment and culling costs.