Bloat Control Update
Clover growth on most farms has been better this year than for many years. It would be wise to consider the options for bloat control prior to problems occurring, as there is always a panic to institute a control program in a hurry when the first sign of clinical bloat occurs.Some important considerations are:
What is the current nutritional status of the herd?
Herds feeding a large amount of grain (6 kg or more) will have a lower proportion of
the diet as pasture. This has some dilution effect as well as making the cows less
hungry as they leave the dairy. They are less likely to eat as aggressively or as much
pasture. Bloat will be less likely and less severe.
How well are cows eating paddocks out?
In situations where grazing management is lax, cows will be more able to selectively
graze. They will eat more clover from between clumps and less higher fibre pasture.
Apart from other pasture management problems bloat will be more prevalent in these
cases.
What are the effects of subclinical bloat?
If clinical bloat is occurring in the herd subclinical bloat will be causing production
losses. It is estimated that subclinical bloat will cause as much as a 15% loss in
production.
Modes of treatment
Numerous products have been around for a long time. These have certain merits but most have their drawbacks. One newer group of treatments is the ethoxylated alcohol products. Two brands are Bloatmaster and Bloat Enz. These are low volume treatments with more extended protection periods than the more traditional oils. They can be administered on top of bale feed relatively easily at only a slightly higher cost.
Administered this way they provide protection during the main danger periods and ensure every cow is treated. They need to be used at both milkings to ensure 24 hour protection.
Other products available are bloat capsules, flank applied oils, roller drums and licks. All have varying levels of protection depending on route of administration. They may be more applicable in low risk situations.
More information on products available and prices can be obtained from resellers. It may be wise to source an appropriate treatment sooner rather than later to prevent any problems related to heavy demand over the next couple of months.
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