SARA (Subacute Ruminal Acidosis) and preventive measures to minimize theirs effects in cattle: Review

Abstract

Alkalizing agents or buffers are substances used since the 1970s to improve the ruminal modulation of high-production animals (meat and milk). In the past, the genetic production potential of ruminants was lower than the high levels obtained after the turn of the millennium. In fact, in the previous period, the animal diet had a higher roughage/concentrate ratio that satisfied animal requirements. In this way, the molecules used as buffers were less potent because the rumen acidification potential was lower. However, the genetic potential for meat and milk production has been significantly increased by new biotechnologies introduced by geneticists. In this way, nutritionists were induced to review the nutritional concepts and paradigms applied to animal production. The roughage/concentrate ratio from before was modified with an increase in concentrate and a decrease in roughage. This change in concept has induced nutritionists to develop or adjust new molecules or compounds to maximize rumen buffering. As a result, different products or combinations between them were developed for this purpose, to avoid, above all, the appearance of SARA.