DANGERS OF BLOAT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20168, 9 June 1928, Page 10 (Supplement)

DANGERS OF BLOAT

DEATHS AMONG STOCK Cattle and sheep sometimes die from bloating if they eat green, immature crops while they are wet with dew or rain. Bloating is caused by the accumulation of gas in the stomach or paunch, say authorities at the State College of Agriculture at Ithaca, U.S.A., who also state that losses can be avoided by simple precautions. It is safest not to turn sheep or cattle into a rank growth of clover, alfalfa, or sweet clover. If this cannot be avoided, however, the college recommends feeding the stock some dry fodder to partially satisfy their hunger before they are turned into the heavy pasture. Changes from scant to rich pasture should be made carefully and the animals should never be allowed to gorge themselves.

When trouble occurs it is indicated by excessive swelling on the left side. If not too far advanced relief may be obtained by the formalin treatment. With cattle a quart of a U per cent, solution of formalin should be given as a drench. One-half ounce of formalin in a quart of water gives a solution of the right strength. In severe cases the animal must be tapped immediately at a point equally distant from the last rib, the hipbone, and the backbone. The operation should be made with a trocar and eanula, but a pocket-knife may be used in an emergency. The tube of the trocar should be left in the opening so the gas can escape readily. The wound will heal better if it is washed with an antiseptic solution after the eanula has been removed. Animals that have bloated have been dangerously ill, and they should bo handled accordingly. As soon as the pain is relieved it is advisable to give a dose of lib. to l|lb. of Epsom Salts. They should be fed lightly and should have goad care. Sheep are more susceptible to bloat than cattle, and for this reason they need closer attention. A pint of fresh cow’s milk is an excellent drench, or formalin as prepared for cattle may be used, except that smaller doses must be given. Sheep should be tapped only as a last resort, for they recover slowly from such operations or injuries.