This NebGuide discusses the types of bloat which may occur in cattle and methods to prevent and treat bloat.
Bloat is a form of indigestion marked by an excessive accumulation of gas in the rumen. Immediately after cattle consume a meal, the digestive process creates gases in the rumen. Most of the gases are eliminated by eructation (belching). Gases that are trapped and not eructated may form a foam or froth in the rumen which further prevents their elimination. Froth formation can be caused by many factors resulting from interactions between the animal, rumen microorganisms, and differences in plant biochemistry

Rasby, Richard J.

Rice, Duane

Stock, Rick

English

DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska

University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln Historical Materials from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Extension 1974 G74-149 Bloat Prevention and Treatment Rick Stock University of Nebraska - Lincoln, rstock3@Unl.edu Richard J. Rasby University of Nebraska - Lincoln, rrasby1@unl.edu Duane Rice University of Nebraska - Lincoln Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/extensionhist  Part of the Agriculture Commons, and the Curriculum and Instruction Commons Stock, Rick; Rasby, Richard J.; and Rice, Duane, "G74-149 Bloat Prevention and Treatment" (1974). Historical Materials from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension. 251. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/extensionhist/251 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Extension at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Historical Materials from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. G74-149-A (Revised September 1994)  Bloat Prevention and Treatment This NebGuide discusses the types of bloat which may occur in cattle and methods to prevent and treat bloat. Rick Stock, Extension Feedlot Specialist Rick Rasby, Extension Beef Specialist Duane Rice, D.V.M., Extension Veterinarian z Preventing Pasture Bloat  z Managing Feedlot Bloat  z Managing Bloat That Follows Grub Treatment  z Treatment   Bloat is a form of indigestion marked by an excessive accumulation of gas in the rumen. Immediately after cattle consume a meal, the digestive process creates gases in the rumen. Most of the gases are eliminated by eructation (belching). Gases that are trapped and not eructated may form a foam or froth in the rumen which further prevents their elimination. Froth formation can be caused by many factors resulting from interactions between the animal, rumen microorganisms, and differences in plant biochemistry. Causes of bloat include:  1. an inherited tendency for bloat,  2. certain proteins in forage,  3. the amount, rate of intake, and coarseness of the roughage,  4. the type of rumen microbial population,  5. host-parasite reaction following grub treatment,  6. choking, and  7. enlargement of the lymph-nodes between the lungs which compress the esophagus or interfere with the function of the vagus nerves. Preventing bloat is desirable not only to reduce deaths, but also to reduce the negative effect of bloat on cattle performance. Pasture bloat usually occurs in animals grazing wheat pasture, lush legumes (alfalfa, Ladino, red clover) or fed green-chopped legumes. Feedlot bloat usually refers to bloat in cattle fed high-grain rations that may or may not contain legume forage. Visual signs of bloated cattle include: distension of the left side of the animal, discomfort as indicated by stomping of feet or kicking of belly, labored breathing, frequent urination and defecation, and sudden collapse.  Preventing Pasture Bloat Many methods, such as gradual access to pastures, have been used to reduce the incidence of pasture bloat. Chemical agents also have been developed to reduce bloat. Poloxalene is an anti-foaming agent which prevents pasture bloat for 12 hours if consumed in adequate amounts. Because Poloxalene prevents bloat for only a short period, it must be consumed (1-2 grams/100 lb of body weight) daily. Poloxalene can be fed as a top dressing on feed, in a grain mixture fed free-choice, in liquid supplements, or in molasses blocks.  Laureth-23, a detergent, also can be used to prevent bloat on pasture. Like Poloxalene, its success depends on daily consumption. Molasses blocks containing Laureth-23 are commercially available.  Bloat occurrences can be reduced through several pasture management methods:  1. Plant pastures so that no more than 50 percent of the forage mixture is alfalfa or clover. Consider planting non-bloating legumes.  2. Fill cattle on dry roughage or grass pastures before turning to legume pastures.  3. Provide grass pasture, hay, crop residue (cornstalks, milo stubble) or grain along with the legume or wheat pasture to reduce pasture intake.  4. Graze in a rotation using different grass and legume pastures.  5. Fertilize and graze to stimulate grasses in the grass-legume pastures.  6. Strip graze or rotational graze grass-legume pastures to force cattle to eat most of the plant material rather than just the succulent top growth.  7. Antibiotics have been used with moderate success to prevent pasture bloat (Oxytetracycline, 75 mg/head/day, Penicillin, 75 mg/head/day). A rotation of antibiotics appears to be more effective than the continued use of a single antibiotic. Antibiotics have most frequently been fed in a concentrate or in salt-mineral mixtures.  8. Once cattle are turned to pasture, don't remove them at the first signs of bloat. Mild bloat occurs frequently and repeatedly on alfalfa pasture. Cattle with greatly distended rumens should be removed immediately and treated. Managing Feedlot Bloat Feedlot bloat occurs rather infrequently and death losses are minimal in well managed feedlots. Most cases are "subacute" rather than "acute". In acute cases, distress symptoms such as frequent urination and defecation, labored breathing, and restless movements are evident. In some feedlot cattle, bloat is chronic, occurring repeatedly in only a few cattle. Poloxalene does not appear to be effective in preventing feedlot bloat even though foam (and often, slime) is involved. Ionophores (Rumensin®, Bovatec®, Cattlyst®) improve the feed efficiency of high-grain rations and may help reduce the incidence of grain bloat. Thus, the use of ionophores is highly recommended.  Following are some changes that may prove effective in reducing the frequency and severity of bloat: 1. Coarsely chop the hay and mix with grain. 2. Increase hay to 15 percent of ration dry matter.  3. Feed 50 percent or more rolled corn, whole corn or rolled grain sorghum (milo).  4. Use a coarser roll on corn and grain sorghum.  5. Substitute low quality legume or non-legume roughage for alfalfa hay (adjust the protein, vitamin and mineral supplement appropriately).  6. Increase the concentration of the ionophore. Feed intake will probably decrease.  Feedlot bloat that occurs on high concentrate rations usually can be reduced by providing 10-15 percent of the roughage coarsely chopped. When separation of the grain or supplement from roughage seems to be involved, change the ration to minimize separation. Managing Bloat That Follows Grub Treatment Sometimes bloat may occur 10-24 hours following grub treatment with organophosphate grubicide (pour-on, spray, or dip). The grubicide, if used late in the season, kills migrating grubs in the area of the esophagus, thus causing swelling in the area of the esophagus. The animal is unable to belch or swallow normally. Animals may try to eat, then spit out feed and saliva, followed by bloating and difficult breathing. If bloat occurs, do not feed the animal for a few hours and walk it slowly until the bloat goes down. If the animal is having trouble breathing, relieve the bloat with a trocar or large bloat needle. Do not pass a stomach tube in the animals that bloat following grub treatment. The esophagus may be damaged and permanent injury may result. Antihistamines and corticosteroids should be administered under a veterinarian's direction. Treatment Acute bloat must be treated promptly. In the last stages of severe bloat, a few seconds delay may result in the animal's death. Plan with your veterinarian for emergency treatment for bloat before the grazing season. Equipment needed includes:  1. good handling facilities,  2. a rubber hose about 3/4" to 1" in diameter and 8 to 10 feet long,  3. a supply of defoaming agent, and  4. a large trocar (and a sharp knife suitable for opening an incision into the rumen if the trocar fails to relieve the bloat).  In severe cases, a stomach tube can provide relief. If the tube does not provide immediate relief, the defoaming agent will frequently break the foam and permit removal of large amounts of gas through the tube or by belching. The antifoaming agents can be added through the tube or through a trocar or bloat needle. Never drench a bloated animal. When drenching, fluid is apt to be inhaled causing immediate death or pneumonia. Large bloat needles may be adequate for relieving feedlot bloat. They are about 6" to 7" long and come with a wire stylet to unplug them if necessary. Insert the needle at a point halfway between the last rib and hookbone on the left side 3" to 4" below the edge of the loin.  If the needle will not relieve the problem, a trocar with a wide opening may be used. Open a hole in the rumen large enough to release the foamy, gas contents and insert the trocar. If the foam is so viscous that the trocar opening is not large enough to give relief, as a last resort, use a sharp knife to make a slit about 3" long and then spread apart with your fingers. Keep at least one finger through the incision until the bloat is fully relieved. Otherwise, the rumen may move, causing the opening in the rumen to shift away from the opening through the belly wall and skin.  Choking on foreign objects (esophageal obstruction) will prevent gas release, thus causing gas accumulation in the rumen. This should be relieved with a trocar or big needle, if possible. Then the obstruction should be gently removed from the esophagus. This is often difficult and may require help from a veterinarian.  Chronic bloat caused by pressure on the esophagus due to muscle paralysis or other tissue pressure on the esophagus can be corrected by making a ruminal fistula. Anatomical knowledge is a must and generally a professional should help perform this operation. The operation consists of making an opening through the skin and muscle high in the left flank. Then the rumen is sutured to the skin. A small opening about 3/4" in diameter is made in the rumen wall to form a temporary opening or fistula. The fistula is designed to remain open for one to two months. During this time the swollen tissues should decrease in size and normal belching can resume. Normally, natural healing will close the fistula. If not, a veterinarian can surgically repair it.   File G149 under: BEEF A-10, Feeding & Nutrition Revised September 1994; 3,000 printed.   Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Elbert C. Dickey, Director of Cooperative Extension, University of Nebraska, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.  University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension educational programs abide with the non-discrimination policies of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the United States Department of Agriculture. 

G74-149 Bloat Prevention and Treatment

UNL | Libraries

University of Nebraska - Lincoln 
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln 
Historical Materials from University of 
Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Extension 
1974 
G74-149 Bloat Prevention and Treatment 
Rick Stock 
University of Nebraska - Lincoln, rstock3@Unl.edu 
Richard J. Rasby 
University of Nebraska - Lincoln, rrasby1@unl.edu 
Duane Rice 
University of Nebraska - Lincoln 
Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/extensionhist 
 Part of the Agriculture Commons, and the Curriculum and Instruction Commons 
Stock, Rick; Rasby, Richard J.; and Rice, Duane, "G74-149 Bloat Prevention and Treatment" (1974). 
Historical Materials from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension. 251. 
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/extensionhist/251 
This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Extension at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - 
Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Historical Materials from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension by an 
authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. 
G74-149-A 
(Revised September 1994) 
 
Bloat Prevention and Treatment 
This NebGuide discusses the types of bloat which may occur in cattle and methods to prevent and 
treat bloat. 
Rick Stock, Extension Feedlot Specialist 
Rick Rasby, Extension Beef Specialist 
Duane Rice, D.V.M., Extension Veterinarian 
? Preventing Pasture Bloat  
? Managing Feedlot Bloat  
? Managing Bloat That Follows Grub Treatment  
? Treatment  
 
Bloat is a form of indigestion marked by an excessive accumulation of gas in the rumen. Immediately 
after cattle consume a meal, the digestive process creates gases in the rumen. Most of the gases are 
eliminated by eructation (belching). Gases that are trapped and not eructated may form a foam or froth 
in the rumen which further prevents their elimination. Froth formation can be caused by many factors 
resulting from interactions between the animal, rumen microorganisms, and differences in plant 
biochemistry. Causes of bloat include:  
1. an inherited tendency for bloat,  
2. certain proteins in forage,  
3. the amount, rate of intake, and coarseness of the roughage,  
4. the type of rumen microbial population,  
5. host-parasite reaction following grub treatment,  
6. choking, and  
7. enlargement of the lymph-nodes between the lungs which compress the esophagus or interfere 
with the function of the vagus nerves. 
Preventing bloat is desirable not only to reduce deaths, but also to reduce the negative effect of bloat on 
cattle performance. Pasture bloat usually occurs in animals grazing wheat pasture, lush legumes (alfalfa, 
Ladino, red clover) or fed green-chopped legumes. Feedlot bloat usually refers to bloat in cattle fed 
high-grain rations that may or may not contain legume forage. 
Visual signs of bloated cattle include: distension of the left side of the animal, discomfort as indicated 
by stomping of feet or kicking of belly, labored breathing, frequent urination and defecation, and sudden 
collapse.  
Preventing Pasture Bloat 
Many methods, such as gradual access to pastures, have been used to reduce the incidence of pasture 
bloat. 
Chemical agents also have been developed to reduce bloat. Poloxalene is an anti-foaming agent which 
prevents pasture bloat for 12 hours if consumed in adequate amounts. Because Poloxalene prevents bloat 
for only a short period, it must be consumed (1-2 grams/100 lb of body weight) daily. Poloxalene can be 
fed as a top dressing on feed, in a grain mixture fed free-choice, in liquid supplements, or in molasses 
blocks.  
Laureth-23, a detergent, also can be used to prevent bloat on pasture. Like Poloxalene, its success 
depends on daily consumption. Molasses blocks containing Laureth-23 are commercially available.  
Bloat occurrences can be reduced through several pasture management methods:  
1. Plant pastures so that no more than 50 percent of the forage mixture is alfalfa or clover. Consider 
planting non-bloating legumes.  
2. Fill cattle on dry roughage or grass pastures before turning to legume pastures.  
3. Provide grass pasture, hay, crop residue (cornstalks, milo stubble) or grain along with the legume 
or wheat pasture to reduce pasture intake.  
4. Graze in a rotation using different grass and legume pastures.  
5. Fertilize and graze to stimulate grasses in the grass-legume pastures.  
6. Strip graze or rotational graze grass-legume pastures to force cattle to eat most of the plant 
material rather than just the succulent top growth.  
7. Antibiotics have been used with moderate success to prevent pasture bloat (Oxytetracycline, 75 
mg/head/day, Penicillin, 75 mg/head/day). A rotation of antibiotics appears to be more effective 
than the continued use of a single antibiotic. Antibiotics have most frequently been fed in a 
concentrate or in salt-mineral mixtures.  
8. Once cattle are turned to pasture, don't remove them at the first signs of bloat. Mild bloat occurs 
frequently and repeatedly on alfalfa pasture. Cattle with greatly distended rumens should be 
removed immediately and treated. 
Managing Feedlot Bloat 
Feedlot bloat occurs rather infrequently and death losses are minimal in well managed feedlots. Most 
cases are "subacute" rather than "acute". In acute cases, distress symptoms such as frequent urination 
and defecation, labored breathing, and restless movements are evident. In some feedlot cattle, bloat is 
chronic, occurring repeatedly in only a few cattle. 
Poloxalene does not appear to be effective in preventing feedlot bloat even though foam (and often, 
slime) is involved. Ionophores (Rumensin®, Bovatec®, Cattlyst®) improve the feed efficiency of high-
grain rations and may help reduce the incidence of grain bloat. Thus, the use of ionophores is highly 
recommended.  
Following are some changes that may prove effective in reducing the frequency and severity of bloat: 
1. Coarsely chop the hay and mix with grain. 
2. Increase hay to 15 percent of ration dry matter.  
3. Feed 50 percent or more rolled corn, whole corn or rolled grain sorghum (milo).  
4. Use a coarser roll on corn and grain sorghum.  
5. Substitute low quality legume or non-legume roughage for alfalfa hay (adjust the protein, vitamin 
and mineral supplement appropriately).  
6. Increase the concentration of the ionophore. Feed intake will probably decrease.  
Feedlot bloat that occurs on high concentrate rations usually can be reduced by providing 10-15 percent 
of the roughage coarsely chopped. When separation of the grain or supplement from roughage seems to 
be involved, change the ration to minimize separation. 
Managing Bloat That Follows Grub Treatment 
Sometimes bloat may occur 10-24 hours following grub treatment with organophosphate grubicide 
(pour-on, spray, or dip). The grubicide, if used late in the season, kills migrating grubs in the area of the 
esophagus, thus causing swelling in the area of the esophagus. The animal is unable to belch or swallow 
normally. Animals may try to eat, then spit out feed and saliva, followed by bloating and difficult 
breathing. If bloat occurs, do not feed the animal for a few hours and walk it slowly until the bloat goes 
down. If the animal is having trouble breathing, relieve the bloat with a trocar or large bloat needle. Do 
not pass a stomach tube in the animals that bloat following grub treatment. The esophagus may be 
damaged and permanent injury may result. Antihistamines and corticosteroids should be administered 
under a veterinarian's direction. 
Treatment 
Acute bloat must be treated promptly. In the last stages of severe bloat, a few seconds delay may result 
in the animal's death. 
Plan with your veterinarian for emergency treatment for bloat before the grazing season. Equipment 
needed includes:  
1. good handling facilities,  
2. a rubber hose about 3/4" to 1" in diameter and 8 to 10 feet long,  
3. a supply of defoaming agent, and  
4. a large trocar (and a sharp knife suitable for opening an incision into the rumen if the trocar fails 
to relieve the bloat).  
In severe cases, a stomach tube can provide relief. If the tube does not provide immediate relief, the 
defoaming agent will frequently break the foam and permit removal of large amounts of gas through the 
tube or by belching. The antifoaming agents can be added through the tube or through a trocar or bloat 
needle. Never drench a bloated animal. When drenching, fluid is apt to be inhaled causing immediate 
death or pneumonia. 
Large bloat needles may be adequate for relieving feedlot bloat. They are about 6" to 7" long and come 
with a wire stylet to unplug them if necessary. Insert the needle at a point halfway between the last rib 
and hookbone on the left side 3" to 4" below the edge of the loin.  
If the needle will not relieve the problem, a trocar with a wide opening may be used. Open a hole in the 
rumen large enough to release the foamy, gas contents and insert the trocar. If the foam is so viscous that 
the trocar opening is not large enough to give relief, as a last resort, use a sharp knife to make a slit 
about 3" long and then spread apart with your fingers. Keep at least one finger through the incision until 
the bloat is fully relieved. Otherwise, the rumen may move, causing the opening in the rumen to shift 
away from the opening through the belly wall and skin.  
Choking on foreign objects (esophageal obstruction) will prevent gas release, thus causing gas 
accumulation in the rumen. This should be relieved with a trocar or big needle, if possible. Then the 
obstruction should be gently removed from the esophagus. This is often difficult and may require help 
from a veterinarian.  
Chronic bloat caused by pressure on the esophagus due to muscle paralysis or other tissue pressure on 
the esophagus can be corrected by making a ruminal fistula. Anatomical knowledge is a must and 
generally a professional should help perform this operation. The operation consists of making an 
opening through the skin and muscle high in the left flank. Then the rumen is sutured to the skin. A 
small opening about 3/4" in diameter is made in the rumen wall to form a temporary opening or fistula. 
The fistula is designed to remain open for one to two months. During this time the swollen tissues 
should decrease in size and normal belching can resume. Normally, natural healing will close the fistula. 
If not, a veterinarian can surgically repair it.  
 
File G149 under: BEEF 
A-10, Feeding & Nutrition 
Revised September 1994; 3,000 printed. 
  
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation 
with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Elbert C. Dickey, Director of Cooperative Extension, 
University of Nebraska, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.  
University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension educational programs abide with the non-discrimination 
policies of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the United States Department of Agriculture. 


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G74-149 Bloat Prevention and Treatment

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