Changes

===Risk Factors===

===Risk Factors===

'''Insufficient long fibre in the diet''': It is essential that the diet contains adequate fibre of 2-5cm in length, as it forms the rumen mat and stimulates rumination. if it is longer than 10 cm, it is

'''Insufficient long fibre in the diet''': It is essential that the diet contains adequate fibre of 2-5cm in length, as it stimulates rumination and forms the rumen mat, where much fermentation occurs. Insufficient long dietary fibre can therefore be detrimental to rumen health. If the diet contains sufficient fibre, but of the wrong lenght, this will also give suboptimal rumen function. Fibre that is chopped too short will not stimulate rumination, and fibre greater than 10cm in length can be selectively sorted out of the diet by the cows themselves.

possible for cows to 'sort' the ration and avoid eating the

Provision

fibre. Consequently, long fibre for inclusion in a TMR

should be chopped to between 2-5 and 10 cm. Provision

of long fibre in modem diets is problematic as there is an

of long fibre in modem diets is problematic as there is an

increased tendency for silages to be chopped very short

increased tendency for silages to be chopped very short