Cattle Bloat & Spring Grass
Spring has sprung in North Texas and the warmer, wet weather not only brings in lush, green pastures but also the increased risk of cattle bloating. Cattle bloating is common in spring and left unattended it can have serious implications for your herd. Let’s explore the causes of cattle bloating on spring grass, preventive measures, and effective management strategies.
What causes spring bloat in cattle?
Lush green spring grasses contain a lot of proteins and sugars.
Clover and alfalfa can cause a condition known as frothy bloat. This is where gas bubbles become trapped creating a stable foam that prevents the release of gas through belching
Rapid or aggressive grazing, especially on lush pastures with high legume content (such as clover or alfalfa).
How do you prevent cattle from bloating?
Introduce cattle to spring pastures gradually. This allows their digestive systems to adjust to the change in diet.
Closely monitor your cattle behavior during the initial weeks of grazing on spring grass. If you notice them overeating or appear to be in discomfort limit their access to the spring grass.
Offer dry hay or silage to supplement the spring grasses. Dry feeds have a lower risk of bloat.
My cattle have bloat what do I do?
Contact a veterinarian immediately. Your vet may prescribe anti-bloat agents to reduce foam formation.
Provide access to supplemental feed, such as grain or mineral supplements, to balance the nutritional intake and reduce the likelihood of bloat.
Schedule regular veterinary checkups in spring to monitor the health of your herd and address any bloating concerns and/or issues.
Cattle bloating on spring grass requires proactive herd management. With an improved understanding of the root causes of bloating cattle owners can reduce the risks associated with the spring season. If you have questions or concerns about your cattle schedule a farm or ranch visit today!
Want to learn more? Click HERE for more information from the University of Nebraska about cattle bloat.
