Avoiding using forage legumes because of the fear of bloat results in more losses than the real loss of livestock from bloat.  Understanding bloat and practicing ways to minimize its effects is important for livestock producers.

In addition to diet, environmental aspects may also play a contributing role in bloat. Cattle have been observed to stop foraging prior to passage of a weather front and gorge themselves following the inclement weather. Cattle should be moved to a non-bloating forages and provided a bloat preventative during such times.

Frost can also increase the incidence of bloat by disrupting plant cell walls and increasing their rate of fermentation in the rumen. Delay grazing those legumes that are known to cause bloat for a few days following a hard frost. Legume bloat usually occurs during the lush growth period associated with spring. When using a legume known to cause bloat, the number of problems can be minimized with proper management (Table 1).

Poloxalene, a bloat preventative, must be consumed by cattle daily, both prior to turning cattle onto legumes and thereafter, to be effective. Feed poloxalene at 1 to 2 grams/100 lbs. of body weight per day. Cattle should be accustomed to consuming a mineral mixture, and a feeding strategy that reduces the likelihood of bloat.

Table 1. Management strategies to minimize bloat potential in livestock.