Although this feeding strategy can increase performance in the short term, the animals are increasingly exposed to metabolic disorders. The most common illnesses are subacute rumen acidosis (SARA), which can subsequently lead to chronic rumen inflammation, hooffoot, polioencephalomalacia, liver abscesses, milk fat depression, abomasal dislocation and other disorders, which has serious consequences for the profitability of the farm. The aim of this project is to nutritionally evaluate a chemical-thermal processing technology for feed barley in dairy cows in early lactation. According to our expectations, this
treatment influences the rate of breakdown of barley starch in the rumen with positive effects on rumen metabolism, feed conversion and the health status of the animals. The knowledge gained from this project will help to nutritionally evaluate a cost-effective processing technology for feed grains and subsequently reduce the prevalence of SARA and consequently reduce the susceptibility to other diseases. This study would therefore not only serve to improve feed conversion, but would also have relevance for animal health and animal welfare.