Subacute rumen acidosis, also known as SARA (Subacute Ruminal Acidosis), is a serious metabolic disorder caused by a non-physiological lowering of rumen fluid pH below 5.5. The main cause of this adverse condition is faulty animal nutrition. This is especially true for the mismanagement of the nutrition of a herd of high-yielding dairy cows and the improper preparation of rations for this group of animals.

In the first case, the problem occurs when cows move from the drying-out period to milk production without adequate transition time. In such a situation, the change from a diet low in starch to one rich in easily digestible energy carbohydrates results in a maladjustment of the rumen microbial population. The dominant cellulolytic bacteria are then given a starchy medium, which promotes the growth of lactic acid bacteria. In a properly prepared, stabilized environment, the bacterial population is controlled by competition with other amylolytic microbes, and the lactic acid is gradually broken down by specific other microorganisms. In the absence of stabilization, lactic fermentation bacteria quickly dominate the rumen environment, causing rapid acidification of its contents. Therefore, it is important to gradually prepare the rumen for starchy rations during the transition from drying to lactation. The limited amount of starch during the drying-out period also results in the involution of the papillae and a reduction in the absorbent surface of the rumen wall mucosa, which further reduces the diffusion into the bloodstream of acids formed on a production diet, secondarily increasing the acidification of the rumen contents.

There are 2 main mistakes in construction of feeding rations:

Uncontrolled exceedance of permissible safe levels of concentrated feed (sources of simple sugars and starches) in dry matter (max. 60-65% DM).
Inadequate dosage of physically effective fiber

In both cases, the effects are analogous to errors during the transition from drying to lactation. The first situation leads to a decrease in the number of cellulolytic bacteria, which lowers the lipid content of the milk and massively causes the death of the rumen microflora with the release of dangerous toxins. Once in the bloodstream, these toxins cause a lot of damage, especially to the circulatory system, which can lead to limb disorders (bovine laminitis). The toxins also cause damage to rumen wall tissue, which opens the way for bacteria that cause liver ulceration, a dangerous SARA condition.

Preventing subclinical rumen acidosis is extremely important and requires proper management of animal nutrition. During critical periods, such as a group of "fresh cows," the peak of lactation in high-yielding dairy cows fed heavily on starchy feeds, or ration changes, it is worthwhile to use additives that stabilize the rumen environment with appropriately selected buffering compounds.

One such rumen support product is Ecobuffer plus, containing specially selected active substances:

Buffers that stabilize rumen pH at a level higher than 5.5, such as sodium carbonate, calcium carbonate and magnesium oxide, as well as malic acid salts that neutralize the lactic acid formed.
Adsorbent of toxins from the decomposition of dead bacteria in the rumen, such as sepiolite.
Antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress and increase the body's defensive powers, such as boldo and rosemary.
The use of such complex and innovative additives allows the synergistic action of the biologically active compounds they contain, which can bring additional benefits in the treatment and prevention of subclinical rumen acidosis.

We offer a similar solution in the form of a bolus in the product Bufferbol. It is a combination of buffering compounds (calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, calcium chloride and monocalcium phosphate) along with live yeast cultures and toxin-binding sepiolite. The combination of these substances, along with a fast-digesting capsule, provides an effective solution to acidosis.