Subacute Ruminal Acidosis in Feedlot: Incidence, Clinical Alterations and its Sequelae

This study was aimed to determine the incidence of subacute rumen acidosis (SARA) in beef cattle and its sequelae in the herd. Subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) has become an economically important and common problem in well-managed bullocks as a consequence of feeding high grains and low fiber content causing ruminal fermentation disorders and other changes which affect badly the daily gain and finally the cattle industry. So the monitoring groups of bullock for signs of the condition are now crucial. On the basis of pH values the animals were classified into group 1 (animals with rumen pH>5.7) and group 2 (animals with rumen pH<5.6).The consequences of SARA are diverse and complex. Diarrhoea and laminitis are regularly connected to SARA and the adverse impact of organic acids on the ruminal wall which lead to erosion and inflammation enabling translocation of pathogens into the bloodstream provoking inflammation and abscessation throughout the ruminants body. The prevention of SARA includes the establishment of feeding and management manners seeking to minimize the rumen acidotic load. Regular monitoring may facilitate early recognition of the condition and limit the economic losses.