Sub-Acute Ruminal Acidosis (SARA)

Sub-Acute Ruminal Acidosis (SARA)

BBSRC logoThe Biological and Biotechnological Research Council, UK (BBSRC) has commissioned an Industrial Partnership Award to study the causes of and potential prevention methods and therapies to treat Sub-Acute Ruminal Acidosis (SARA) in cattle.

SARA is a common, distressing condition that cattle suffer when they consume starchy diets. This BBSRC-funded project is unique in its focus on cattle on-farm rather than under controlled experimental conditions.


The aims are to:

  • Understand the microbiology underlying SARA
  • Investigate the causes of inflammation
  • Find early-detection methods in susceptible animals
  • Develop feed additives that prevent the onset of SARA