Effect of subacute ruminal acidosis on in situ digestion of mixed hay in lactating dairy cows

Induction of subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) by replacing 25% of the total mixed ration (TMR) intake [dry matter (DM) basis] with pellets consisting of 50% wheat and 50% barley, reduced the in situ DM and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) digestion of mixed hay. In situ 48 h NDF disappearance was reduced from 39.5 to 30.9% (P < 0.05).