Livestock producers are being urged to remain vigilant for bloat in cattle as spring growth accelerates across the region.

The condition is most commonly seen when cattle rapidly consume lush, immature legume-dominant pastures such as clover and lucerne.

While bloat can occur on any pasture, it is far less common where grasses dominate. Bloat develops when fermentation in the rumen produces gas that becomes trapped as foam rather than being released through normal belching.

The resulting pressure causes the animal’s abdomen, particularly on the left side, to swell noticeably.

In severe cases, the first sign of a problem may be dead cattle in the paddock. The pressure caused by the expanding rumen can compress the lungs and major blood vessels, leading to respiratory and heart failure.

Prevention is critical because the condition can progress rapidly. Death from bloat can occur within as little as 30 minutes of cattle entering high-risk pastures, making prevention far more effective than treatment after the event.

Producers are advised to avoid turning hungry cattle directly onto potentially hazardous paddocks. Providing hay before moving stock onto lush pastures can help reduce the risk of animals gorging themselves.

A range of preventative products is also available, including bloat blocks, bloat licks, medicated water treatments, drenches and pasture sprays.

The most suitable option will depend on individual farm circumstances. Some deaths attributed to bloat may be linked to pulpy kidney disease.

Bloat slows the movement of feed through the digestive tract, creating conditions that allow the bacteria responsible for pulpy kidney to multiply rapidly.

Annual vaccination against pulpy kidney and other clostridial diseases remains an important part of herd health management.

• Producers seeking advice on bloat prevention or treatment should contact their veterinarian or local Agriculture Victoria animal health staff.

Source: Agriculture Victoria