Managing rumen fermentation in barley-based diets: Balance between high production and acidosis

Take Home Message Feeding for maximum productivity increases the incidence of sub-clinical ac idosis which occurs when ruminal pH 5.8 (pH 5.5 by ruminocentesis), but rem ains higher than during clinical acidosis. In addition to the financial losses attributed to health problems caused by subclinical ruminal acidosis, feed costs increase due to poor fiber digest ion and lower feed efficiency. Ruminal acidosis occurs when the production of fermentation acids exceeds t he ability of the animal to remove or neutralize the acids produced. Strate gies to minimize ruminal acidosis should be based on reducing acid producti on in the rumen as well as neutralizing or removing acids from the rumen.