Subacute ruminal acidosis in cattle: A critical review of clinical management
Georgios Christodoulopoulos
Abstract
Subacute Ruminal Acidosis (SARA) is a prevalent metabolic disorder in high-producing dairy and beef cattle, resulting from prolonged ruminal pH depression due to the provision of excessive amount of rapidly fermentable carbohydrates combined with inadequate fiber intake. The condition impairs rumen function, reduces feed efficiency, and negatively affects animal health and productivity. This review critically examines current approaches to the diagnosis and clinical management of SARA, with particular emphasis on recent advances in diagnostic methods, including computerized rumen mucosa colorimetry applied at the slaughterhouse for herd-level assessment. Nutritional strategies are discussed in detail, focusing on Total Mixed Ration (TMR) formulation, the maintenance of an appropriate forage-to-concentrate ratio, and the inclusion of sufficient potentially fermentable Neutral Detergent Fiber (pfNDF) to support rumen motility and microbial balance. Practical tools such as mathematical models for calculating optimal dietary roughage content are also presented. By integrating current research findings with clinically relevant recommendations, this review would contribute to veterinarians, nutritionists, and livestock producers comprehension of improving rumen health, optimizing animal performance, and preventing SARA under commercial feeding conditions.