BLOAT

What is Bloat?

Bloat in ruminants is the distention of the rumen-reticulum, or paunch with gas. This gas has been formed during the rapid fermentation of the feed in the rumen. The gases that cause the distention are mainly carbon dioxide and methane. The distention is seen on the left side as a tight ballooning of the underlying rumen from the ribs to the hip. The right side of the animal can also be distended. The usual mechanism of "belching" and letting the gas out through the animal’s mouth has failed and so the gas accumulates.

The distension occurs in one of two situations:

Types of Bloat

1. Pasture Bloat: this is an economically important condition and usually occurs when animals are grazing lush rapidly growing legume pastures such as Lucerne or clover. It is believed that the high levels of fermentable proteins in the feed form the stable foam that causes the bloat. The failure of the gas to escape causes it to accumulate and the rumen becomes progressively distended. Rapidly growing cereal crops including wheat can also produce bloat. The bloating potential is increased with irrigation and fertilization.

Acute frothy bloat is an extreme emergency and Veterinary attention should be sort. Even following the relief of pressure and evacuation of the rumen, some animals may still die.

2. Feedlot Bloat: this occurs in feedlot rations when the concentrate has been finely ground and the fermentation occurs rapidly.

Management of Pasture Bloat:

1. Be careful with rapidly growing pasture, especially legumes.

2. Have bale of cereal or grass straw available for the animals out in the pasture.

3. Place out BLOTLIQ blocks containing the detergent "Teric" BEFORE the bloat season occurs. The provision of BENTOBITE blocks as well is also recommended.

4. In extreme seasonal conditions, capsules may also be of benefit.

If you require any further information regarding bloat, please contact Dr. JW Backhouse on the Olsson’s Nutritional Advisory Service FreeCall: 1800 804 096.