Subacute ruminal acidosis: prevalence and risk factors in Greek dairy herds

Abstract

Subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) represents one of the most important metabolic subclinical disordersof high producing dairy cows, having serious impact in both animal health and herd profitability. The aim ofthis study was to confirm the presence of SARA in Greek dairy herds and record its prevalence and riskfactors. Ruminal fluid samples, via rumenocentesis, were obtained from a total of 153 Holstein dairy cows,from 12 herds (≥12 cows per herd). Rumen pH was measured on-site with a portable pH-meter in order toestablish a SARA diagnosis. Almost sixteen percent (24/153) of the sampled cows were found with rumenpH ≤5.5, which is indicative of SARA. Thirty three percent (4/12) of the herds were SARA-positive, 8.33%(1/12) of the herds were SARA-marginal, and 58.33% (7/12) were SARA-negative. Number of lactating cowgroups, order in which the feeds were added into the mixing wagon, particle length size, ration composition,housing type (free stall or bedded pack) and stocking density significantly influenced the presence of SARA.