Bloat

Causes

Milk Bloat (Bottle-fed Calves)

• Overfeeding: Overfeeding milk or milk replacer to a calf can overwhelm its digestive system, leading to milk bloat.

• Inadequate Feeding Practices: Incorrect mixing rations or techniques, such as feeding too quickly.

• Feeding Cold Milk: Feeding milk that is too cold can slow down digestion and lead to the accumulation of gas in the stomach.

• Dirty Feeding Equipment: Using dirty or contaminated feeding equipment can introduce harmful bacteria.

Frothy Bloat (Weaned Calves)

• High-Legume Pastures: Calves grazing on lush, high-legume pastures are at greater risk.

• Rapid Grazing: Calves that graze rapidly and consume large amounts of legumes are more likely to develop frothy bloat.

Symptoms

1. Abdominal Distension: One of the most obvious signs of bloat is a visibly distended abdomen. The calf's belly will appear swollen and may feel tight to the touch.

2. Labored Breathing: As the stomach presses against the diaphragm, it can make breathing difficult for the calf. You may notice rapid or labored breathing.

3. Restlessness: Calves with bloat often become agitated and restless. They may constantly shift their weight from one leg to another or pace around.

4. Lethargy: In some cases, bloat can cause calves to become lethargic and weak. They may lie down and have difficulty getting up.

5. Elevated Heart Rate: Bloat can lead to an increased heart rate as the calf struggles to breathe and cope with the discomfort.

6. Drooling or Frothing: Excessive salivation, drooling, or frothing around the mouth can be a sign of bloat in calves.

7. Loss of Appetite: Calves with bloat may lose their appetite and show little interest in eating or drinking.

8. Groaning or Crying: Some calves with bloat may vocalize their discomfort, often with groaning or crying sounds.

9. Kicking at the Abdomen: Calves may kick at their swollen abdomen in an attempt to relieve the discomfort.

Treatment

First priority is calling your vet for an emergency farm visit, alternatively if you calf is still young take them to the vet.

Isolate: Move the calf to a quiet area so they can be easily monitored.

Relieve: If you have a tube feeder or even a length of firm but flexible tubing, apply slow but constant pressure allowing the calf to swallow it until it reached the stomach. This will relieve some of the trapped gas. NEVER FORCE THE TUBE

Massage: Continually massage their belly to help get their digestive system moving. If you can get them to stand and walk at a fast pace to encourage farting.

Administer: Gather vegetable or preferably mineral oil like paraffin and bi carb Soda. Take you best guess at their weight and make a mix of:

Oil : 30mls per 50kg

Bi Carb: 100 grams

Water: 1 litre

If you have a stomach tube feeder use the bottle attachment if you are using tubing use a funnel to administer the slurry down tube. The tube must remain kinked until it reaches the stomach to avoid aspiration into the lungs.

Once you have followed these steps it is normal for the calf to fart, belch and have bouts of diarrhea. Withhold food until the bloat subsides, use electrolytes in replacement of milk for one day to keep them hydrated.