Spring pastures are greening up. Cattle grazing these lush grasses, especially immature legumes, are susceptible to bloat. It can occur in as little as 15 minutes or nearly two days after grazing. It can also be painfully deadly. Experts from Purdue University’s agronomy and animal sciences departments offer 10 tips to help avoid bloat, as well as a video showing how to tube a bloated bovine.
Source: On Pasture, April 3, 2017.
Bloating usually occurs when hungry cattle are first turned onto legume pastures. It seldom occurs on grasses, (or pastures with at least 50 percent grass), coarser pastures, or hay. Bloat usually follows a heavy feeding or grazing period. Hungry or aggressive feeders are most susceptible which is why producers often see their “best-doing” cattle develop this condition.
INSIGHTS: These are common-sense management protocols that make worthwhile reminders for cattle customers this time of year.