Bloat

BLOAT

  • Occurs in grazing land with predominant legumes like lucerne and clover.
  • Ruminants carry an active population of microorganisms that generate large volumes of gas during the normal process of digestion.
  • This gas either is belched up or passes through the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Bloat occurs when eructation of gas is interfered.
  • Natural foaming agents (Saponin) in legumes cause a stable foam to form in the rumen.
  • Gas is trapped in small bubbles in this foam in the rumen and the animal cannot belch up the gas.
  • Pressure builds up in the rumen causing an obvious swelling on the left side of the body.
  • Vegetable oils are effective for preventing and treating pasture bloat because they break down the frothy condition in the rumen contents.


  • Bloat occurs when eructation of gas is interfered.
  • Gas is trapped in small bubbles in foam in the rumen causing an obvious swelling on the left side of body.

Last modified: Tuesday, 27 March 2012, 10:42 AM