Bloat in cattle

Bloat is relatively common in cattle, especially during spring. It’s far more common in cattle than other species, and most often affects milking cows — particularly young ones.

Recognising the Signs of Bloat in Cattle

In bloat, the rumen swells visibly on the left flank behind the rib cage and in front of the hip, where a depression is normally seen.

The cow will stop eating and become restless. She may bellow, strain to urinate or defaecate, and regurgitate boluses of herbage. Breathing may become rapid and laboured, with mouth open and tongue protruding. She may also groan and grind her teeth due to pain.

In severe cases, she may become unsteady, show pale blue mucous membranes, go down, develop convulsions and die from asphyxiation or heart failure. Sometimes this can all occur within 30 minutes of accessing lush, clover-rich pasture.

Treatment Options for Bloat in Cattle

Early treatment is usually effective. Once the cow is recumbent, the chances of recovery are reduced.

If caught early:

• Remove the cow from pasture.

• Administer a proprietary anti-bloat or anti-foaming agent orally.

• Emergency substitutes include 100 ml vegetable oil, 250 ml cream, or 1 litre of milk.

• Gentle walking may help release gas.

If the animal is severely bloated or gasping:

• Contact your veterinarian immediately.

• If the vet cannot attend, an emergency rumen puncture may be required as a last resort — only after veterinary guidance.

• This involves carefully incising the rumen to release gas and foam, adding anti-foaming agents, and suturing the site.

How to Prevent Bloat in Cattle

To reduce the risk of bloat:

• Avoid grazing hungry cows on lush, clover-dominant pasture. Offer hay or feed first.

• Spray risky pasture with anti-foaming agents before grazing.

• Drench cows on high-risk pasture twice daily with a proprietary anti-bloat drench.

• Use anti-bloat treatments in drinking water, but note intake may drop in wet weather.

• Combine drinking water treatment with once-daily drenching if needed.

• Use long-acting anti-bloat capsules for extended protection (up to 100 days).

• Offer anti-bloat blocks and licks in high-risk periods.