A nutritional disorder that can occur during the spring of the
year is bloat as a result of clover consumption. Bloat is an accumulation
of gas in the rumen and although it is not always fatal, it can be.
Although clover can cause bloat, the advantages of having clover in the
pasture far out-weigh the dangers associated with the clover. Bloat
is a very complex problem involving both plant and animal factors.
Most research indicates that certain proteins in the plants cause the formation
of a stable foam in the rumen leading to the gas build-up. These
proteins decrease in content as the forage matures and as it dries during
the hay-making process. Some animals are more prone to bloat than
others. Some may never bloat while others are very susceptible to
bloat.
In general, if the legume portion of the pasture
does not exceed 50% there is minimal danger of bloat. Best management
procedure is to provide the cattle with continuous access to the pasture
because constant removal and reintroduction to the legumes will increase
the likelihood of bloat. Poloxalene is a compound that reduces surface
tension and is effective at preventing bloat. Most of the time this
compound is incorporated into a molasses-based block that may also contain
minerals. This method of control has been shown to be quite useful.
Follow label directions and make sure cattle are consuming the block.
Early, subacute cases of bloat may be relieved with
a rubber hose as a stomach tube to release the accumulated gas. Latter
stages of advanced bloat need to be handled by your veterinarian.