Heat stress during the dry period has dramatic negative impacts on the cow and her offspring. Cows that experience heat stress in late gestation make less milk and are at greater risk of disease and nutritional issues. Read

This research from the University of Guelph shows how the feeding behavior of dairy cows — including how, when and what cows eat of the feed provided to them — has a significant impact on cow health and productivity. Read

The ruminal epithelium is the main site for absorption of key nutrients and electrolytes. Yet, the absorptive function has to be highly selective to prevent entry of microbes and toxins. This study outlines what researchers know, and still must uncover, about the factors that counteract barrier impairment and help with barrier restoration.  Read

Laminitis-related and infectious claw disorders often cause a decrease in milk yield. Claw disorders are also responsible for reproduction problems and can reduce feed intake. This study examines the most efficient measures to prevent those losses — and improve animal welfare. Read

Sub Acute Ruminal Acidosis (SARA) is induced by high concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) that result in lower ruminal pH and damage to the epithelial barrier function. The present study investigated if SCFA directly contribute to epithelial barrier failure. Read

Cows with Sub Acute Ruminal Acidosis (SARA) are more susceptible to other health challenges than healthy cows. This study showed differences in fever symptoms, DMI and even chewing activity were more pronounced in SARA cows compared to healthy animals. Read

Sub Acute Ruminal Acidosis (SARA) is defined as a drop in rumen pH, but what is the most accurate way to look at these pH variations? This study addressed this important research question and even accounted for individual variabilities. Read

Rumen health is affected by what is fed — and also how its fed. This study shows the relationship between patterns of concentrate-rich feeding and the severity of Sub Acute Ruminal Acidosis (SARA) and rumen VFAs profiles. Read

A study showing how a grain-based diet-induced subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) challenge impacts the rumen microbiota of lactating dairy cows. The richness, the diversity, as well as the stability of the bacterial communities were reduced for SARA challenged cows. Both ruminal and fecal microbiota were changed, indicating that the rumen but also the hindgut microbiota are affected by SARA challenge. Read

An interesting study looking at the effect of feeding pattern on subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) severity and rumen VFA concentrations in dairy cows. Read