Rumenocentesis: A technique for collecting rumen fluid for the diagnosis of subacute rumen acidosis in dairy herds

The most definitive diagnostic test for subacute acidosis is pH determination of samples of rumen fluid from subgroups of cows at high risk for acidosis. This paper will discuss collection of rumen fluid by various methods, describe a collection technique by percutaneous needle aspiration or rumenocentesis, and will comment on interpretation of rumen pH results from a herd perspective.