Early-warning tool to evaluate subacute ruminal acidosis

13-01-2023 | Health | Article

In case of subacute ruminal acidosis, a large amount of undigested feed escapes from the rumen and small intestine and causes extensive fermentation in the hindgut.

Faecal sampling is a non-invasive method to evaluate faecal characteristics and microbiota to monitor subacute ruminal acidosis. Subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) is a highly prevalent digestive disorder in high-producing dairy herds. Early lactation is a period of increased subacute ruminal acidosis risk; therefore, identifying animals at risk during the dry period is crucial. Subacute ruminal acidosis impacts the rumen and hindgut bacterial communities. Thus, faecal sampling is a method to e