Early signs to detect SARA in the herd

08-02-2021 | Nutrition | Expert opinion

Djionis Savva Founder and CEO of D.I.S Nutrition

Body condition scoring (BCS), rumen fill scoring (RFS) and manure scoring on a daily basis can give a solid outcome regarding health and welfare status of the cows. Photo: Chris McCullough

Subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) remains the most important digestive disorder (from a financial perspective) caused by high accumulation of volatile fatty acids (VFA) in the rumen. It is mainly observed in high yielding dairy cows in early and mid-lactation. Here are 4 ways to detect SARA early on. VFAs in the rumen and the acetic to propionate ratio Volatile Fatty Acids (VFAs) are the primary energy source for ruminants, mainly produced and absorbed in the rumen. The more soluble and degradab