Bloateze takes the wind out of bloat

10 Sep 2021

Frothy bloat is a fast build-up of digestive gas in the rumen. It is causes when gas made by digestion is trapped as a foam in the rumen and can’t be belched.

Pasture containing a burst of young grass and clover are the highest risk.

Clover has high levels of foaming agents, which help the rumen gas to form many small gas bubbles. This makes it hard for the cow to belch so the gas just continues to build up in the rumen. The build-up of gas puts pressure on the lungs which makes breathing harder for the cow and eventually causes death.

The time frame for this is typically between 30 minutes and two hours.

FIL can help farmers with cost-effective bloat control and treatment this spring, with a choice of Bloateze or Bloateze DFA.

Bloateze is a high-strength alcohol ethoxylate bloat remedy, used for the prevention and treatment of frothy bloat in cattle. It is suitable for drenching, trough treatment, and pasture spraying. Bloateze is strong long-acting product with a low dose rate.

Bloateze DFA is specifically formulated to deliver through alkathene piping and is compatible for use in Dosatron systems. There is no risk of damaging pipes or components. Bloateze DFA provides an effective means to combine drench treatment with trace elements on properties where drenching is not practiced or is not an option.

Trough treatment should be started at least 3 weeks before the likelihood of a bloat challenge and animals should not have access to untreated water sources.

When preparing bloat treatments always be cautious with additives, particularly magnesium. If magnesium needs to be added, the best method is to premix the magnesium and leave to hydrate and cool. Only then should the bloat treatment (and any other additives) be added to the mix.

Good quality water is also essential to get the most out of bloat remedy, protecting its efficacy and solubility. Mix the solution thoroughly to ensure it’s completely dissolved before drenching or distribution through water lines. For ease of mixing, always add bloat remedy to the water.

For all methods of bloateze uptake, start the treatment before the risk becomes severe, using a low dose rate to accustom the stock to treatment. Rapidly increase the dose until control is achieved.

When bloat ceases, back off the dose cautiously, don’t just stop.

To relieve a severely bloated cow, do not use undiluted bloat oil. Add 20 mL of Bloateze to 1 litre of warm water and mix. This is critical to help disperse the anti-foaming agent in the rumen. Slowly dose this mix with a drench gun or long neck bottle. Relief will start within a few minutes.

Call your vet if you suspect your cow is experiencing bloat even for mild cases.

Bloateze and Bloateze DFA are available in 20L, 100L and 200L containers.

For more information around directions of use and ideal dilution rates get in touch with your local FIL Area Manager.