[Disordered fermentation of the rumen (author's transl)]

The requirements which have to be satisfied to ensure adequate functioning of bacterial digestion in the fore-stomachs are reviewed. This is followed by a discussion of the various disturbances of fermentation in the rumen. The majority of disturbances of rumen fermentation are attributable to one or several deficiencies in the rations. This is particularly due to the fact that high-energy rations are required. In addition, an increasing number of substances are being added to the rations in order to affect fermentation in some way or another. Errors of mixing, substitutions and other human factors are liable to result in disturbances of fermentation, which may cause severe losses unless they are rapidly detected. Several instances have been reported in the literature.