-
COWS-fed-barely-sprouting-fodders, page : 46
Several feeds can cause bloat and include legume pasture, rich alfalfa hay, too much grain, or finely chopped hay or grain.
A bloated animal when viewed from behind appears puffed up on the left side where the rumen is located. As the condition worsens both sides puff up and the animal is unable to breathe.
Prevention:
Feed a product that contains an antifoaming agent such as Bloat Guard. Cattle grazing on legume pasture should be given blocks in place of their salt several days ahead so that they will be eating it regularly by the time they are turned loose to start eating the lush pasture. Antifoaming agents such as Poloxalene can prevent frothy bloat for 12 hours when consumed in adequate amounts.
NEVER PUT CATTLE ON WET LEGUME PASTURES. Do not make them hurry when moving them out of a lush pasture or bringing one in for treatment because excessive movement agitates rumen contents and can cause or intensify bloat. Bloat can occur 3 or 4 hours after eating fermentable feeds.
Treatment:
DEATH THROUGH SUFFICATION CAN OCCUR IF AN ANIMAL IS NOT TREATED QUICKLY. Bloat that has not become life-threatening can be relieved by passing a stomach tube or rubber hose 8 – 10 feet long into the animal through the throat to expel some gas, also the pouring of mineral oil into the rumen through the tube to break up the foam. When putting any tube or hose down the throat wedge the mouth open with a block of wood or some other firm object to keep the hose from being chewed up.
When the bloat is very severe there isn't much time to treat the animal, so puncture the rumen to expel the gas. To do this you need a trocar which is a sharp instrument for poking a hole in the rumen. A trocar should always be kept in an easy to remember place for emergencies.
In the event that the animal is on the verge of gasping, dying and a trocar is not available use a sharp pocket knife to jab the distended rumen – many cows have been saved in this way. If in your haste the hole is too large a vet can sew it up later.
If the foam is so thick that the gas cannot escape through a needle or trocar puncture, make a larger incision with a sharp knife 3 – 4 inches long spreading it apart with your fingers. Keep at least one finger in the hole to hold it open until the bloat is completely relieved, if this is not done then the rumen may move away from the opening – call your vet to close the incision.
ACIDOSIS AND LAMINITIS
A bloated animal when viewed from behind appears puffed up on the left side where the rumen is located. As the condition worsens both sides puff up and the animal is unable to breathe.
Prevention:
Feed a product that contains an antifoaming agent such as Bloat Guard. Cattle grazing on legume pasture should be given blocks in place of their salt several days ahead so that they will be eating it regularly by the time they are turned loose to start eating the lush pasture. Antifoaming agents such as Poloxalene can prevent frothy bloat for 12 hours when consumed in adequate amounts.
NEVER PUT CATTLE ON WET LEGUME PASTURES. Do not make them hurry when moving them out of a lush pasture or bringing one in for treatment because excessive movement agitates rumen contents and can cause or intensify bloat. Bloat can occur 3 or 4 hours after eating fermentable feeds.
Treatment:
DEATH THROUGH SUFFICATION CAN OCCUR IF AN ANIMAL IS NOT TREATED QUICKLY. Bloat that has not become life-threatening can be relieved by passing a stomach tube or rubber hose 8 – 10 feet long into the animal through the throat to expel some gas, also the pouring of mineral oil into the rumen through the tube to break up the foam. When putting any tube or hose down the throat wedge the mouth open with a block of wood or some other firm object to keep the hose from being chewed up.
When the bloat is very severe there isn't much time to treat the animal, so puncture the rumen to expel the gas. To do this you need a trocar which is a sharp instrument for poking a hole in the rumen. A trocar should always be kept in an easy to remember place for emergencies.
In the event that the animal is on the verge of gasping, dying and a trocar is not available use a sharp pocket knife to jab the distended rumen – many cows have been saved in this way. If in your haste the hole is too large a vet can sew it up later.
If the foam is so thick that the gas cannot escape through a needle or trocar puncture, make a larger incision with a sharp knife 3 – 4 inches long spreading it apart with your fingers. Keep at least one finger in the hole to hold it open until the bloat is completely relieved, if this is not done then the rumen may move away from the opening – call your vet to close the incision.
ACIDOSIS AND LAMINITIS