Forages of Texas - North Central » Forage Livestock Disorders

DISORDER: Bloat Frothy Bloat: Plant Species: Temperate legumes - (clovers, medics, and vetches) Causes: Bloat is a complex interaction between the animal, the microbes, and particular forage plants, whereby excess gas causes animals to suffocate. Mode of Action: animal: Bloat occurs when the rumen swells as gases (Methane & CO2) are formed during normal microbial fermentation and cannot escape. The rumen fills so fast and extends beyond point where the animal can't control eructation (belching). This loss of control is due to the inability of abdominal smooth muscles to contract, via peristaltic contractions. plant: Legumes have a high proportion of soluble protein (Fraction I or Fraction A protein) that is thought to cause a frothy foam. animal: Frothy foam prevents the cardia neuroreceptors from relaxing during secondary contractions of the forestomach that ordinarily lead to eructation. plant: Legumes have a higher sugar content which stimulates microbial populations, which increases gas production. animal: The rumen expands as the gas increases causing pressure against the lungs and causing the animal to suffocate. Animal Symptoms: Extended rumen, labored breathing. Prevention: Do not allow temperate legumes constitute the total diet. Utilize grass-legume mixtures or provide free choice hay. Use antifoaming agent (poloxalene). Manage legumes to reduce bloat potential. select species with low bloat potential (arrowleaf or berseem clover), sainfoin, crownvetch or tropical species (i.e. cowpea, soybean, etc.) do not place "hungry" cattle on legume pastures. graze continuously, intermittent access promotes bloat. graze in the afternoon, not in the early morning. Grain Bloat: Species: Small grains (wheat, oats, rye, and triticale) Cause: Low ratio of TDN: CP (approximately 4:1), whereas, 6:1 ratio is required for proper rumen function. Mode of Action: Foam results from production of extracellular slime by amylolytic bacteria. There is less rumen turnover with high grain diets and an increase in lactic acid, which reduces rumen mobility. Treatment: Treat with ionophore. Prevention: Provide roughage or protein supplement Frothy and Grain Bloat: Notes: Due to this complex interaction between plants and animals, it is difficult to consistently reproduce symptoms or predict when bloat will occur. More Disorders: | Blister Beetle | Bloat | Coumarin | Fescue Toxicosis | Fog Fever | Gossypol Toxicity | Grass Tetany | | Interstitial Cystitis | Lathyrism | Milk Fever | Nitrate Poisoning | Photosensitization | Prussic Acid | Staggers | |  Ag Programs   |  Center Information   |  Faculty & Staff   |  Texas AgriLife Research   |  Texas AgriLife Extension Service   |  Weather  | [ State of Texas Homepage | Privacy Policy | Open Records Policy | Copyright Infringement | Required Links | Statement of Purpose ]  Copyright ©2009 · Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Service · Stephenville, Texas 76401 · 254.968.4144  Contact the Webmaster at:  stephenville@ag.tamu.edu