Avoid Cattle Bloat this Season

With the improving season and pasture conditions across the district, Lachlan LHPA district vets are reminding landholders to think about associated animal health issues, particularly bloat.

Bloat can occur when cattle graze highly digestible pastures in particular legumes such as lucerne and clover; however it has also been reported on grazing cereals, particularly those treated with a lot of nitrogen.

Lachlan LHPA district vet Belinda Edmonstone explains that bloat can kill a large number of animals in a very short space of time, and according to a study by Meat & Livestock Australia it is the most expensive cattle health issue in southern Australia.

"If a cow’s diet is highly digestible, the gas produced in the rumen remains in a stable foam which cannot be belched. This will cause marked distension of the rumen and if severe enough will occlude the blood flow back to the heart so that the animal dies rapidly of cardio-respiratory failure," Ms Edmonstone said.

There are a number of steps that producers can take to help prevent bloat:

• Bloat capsules can be administered. These contain an agent that modifies the microbes in the rumen so that there is less gas produced; there is also the added benefit of improving weight gains due to more efficient digestion. However they are quite expensive at about $16/head and they can be difficult to administer.
• Bloat oils can be used to destabilise the foam produced. These need to be administered every day. They can be administered in water troughs (provided this is the only source of water) or made available in blocks.
• Only graze pastures when they are not as high risk. Legumes are safer to graze when they are flowering. The problem with this is that you sometimes have to avoid grazing highly productive pastures.
• Do not put hungry stock on risky pastures. Cattle will learn to handle risky pastures by reducing consumption when they start to feel bloated. Young hungry stock will consume more and therefore have a greater risk of bloating.

"Another important thing to remember is that the same pasture conditions can predispose stock to pulpy kidney – clinically the two can be indistinguishable, as all a producer will find are blown up carcasses," Ms Edmonstone said. "However, pulpy kidney is easily and cheaply prevented by vaccinating using ‘5 in1’ vaccine, and providing roughage in fresh highly digestible pastures can also be beneficial."

If you have any questions please call your local Lachlan LHPA district vet in Forbes, Young or Condobolin.

Acknowledgement: This information is courtesy of the LHPA (Livestock Health and Pest Authorities).