Sub-acute Ruminal Acidosis (SARA)

SARA is very common nutritional disorder in modern dairy cows. However, the are rarely diagnosed. 

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Here are some common symptoms:

• Loose and soft faeces

• Reduced dry matter intake

• Undigested grains in the dung

• Reduced milk yield 

• Increased weight loss in early lactation

• Ketosis

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Recommendations for a healthy rumen:

• Do not make rapid or frequent changes to the cow's diet. If change in diet is required,  gradually change the diet, giving time for the rumen microbes to adapt.

• Ensure there is ample supply of fresh water for the cows.

• Ensure that the diet has long fibre (>2.5cm). Ideal amount required will very much depend on the diet and performance of the cow.

• It is not encouraged to feed less than 40% forage.

• Check for sorting. The cows will often sort out material longer than 5cm.

• It is encouraged to feed total mixed ration (TMR) as it helps to avoid peaks of acid production as well as digestive upsets.

• With that being said, it is important to not over-mix TMR and consider the following:

  • Include 1-2kg of straw, high quality hay or haylage in the ration.​

  • Include long fibre to the mixer last in order to avoid over-processing.

• It is encouraged to substitute highly fermentable ingredients such as cereals with rumen protected bypass fats (eg: PalmFat S100).