Key Insights for Farmers 2025.

Our phones have been ringing off the hook the last few weeks, with a common concern emerging among our farming clients: 'bloat in their herds'. As the grass begins to grow again, two significant challenges warrant attention: 'Grass Tetany' and 'Bloat'.

Grass Tetany

Grass Tetany arises from a magnesium (Mg) deficiency, particularly when animals graze on lush, low-fibre paddocks. Cows are especially vulnerable in fields that have received heavy nitrogen (N) applications. This condition can affect both suckler and dairy cows, so farmers must exercise caution in paddocks with high potassium (K) and N levels.

Bloat

Bloat is becoming increasingly popular and of great concern for Irish Farmers as grass growth rates pick up again after the fine weather we experienced recently. Bloat is found in the Rumen. The Rumen of a cow is a magnificent organ. This large fermentation bath is what drives production.  

We must remember that the key to successful ruminant farming systems is good rumen health. It is the billions of bugs in this large stomach that drive production and performance. 

When rumen health becomes unbalanced, we can also slow down this efficiency and even have severe disruptions like bloat. 

Bloat is where the excess gas (methane and CO2) produced in the rumen can affect normal function. It can occur quite rapidly, meaning that death can also ensue quickly. It causes massive pressure on the lungs and hearts of affected cows. 

The Importance of Rumen Health

Successful ruminant farming hinges on maintaining good rumen health. The billions of microbes in the rumen are essential for production and performance. An imbalance in rumen health can lead to decreased efficiency and severe issues such as bloat.

What Is Bloat?

Bloat is characterised by excessive gas (methane and CO2) production in the rumen, which can disrupt normal functions and escalate rapidly, potentially leading to death. This condition exerts significant pressure on the lungs and hearts of affected cows.

Types of Bloat

• Primary Bloat: This is the most common form, where excess gas is produced in the rumen. Frothy Bloat is often associated with this type.
• Secondary Bloat: This occurs when an obstruction prevents gas from being expelled in a normally functioning rumen. These cases can often be managed through stomach tubing, but may require a permanent trocar or fistula if the obstruction persists.
  
  

Understanding Frothy Bloat

Frothy Bloat occurs when microbes in the rumen generate excess gas, creating a foam in the gas layer that cannot be easily belched. Animals may swell rapidly, particularly on the left side where the rumen is located. This situation is a veterinary emergency requiring immediate action.

Treating Bloat in Cows

Bloat emergencies necessitate urgent intervention. Regular tubing may not effectively expel foam; thus, trocars or ruminal fistulas may be needed, as time is critical for affected cows. To reduce foam formation, detergents or anti-foaming agents should be administered. When caught early, cows can be walked back to the yard slowly to alleviate some pressure until treatment is provided.

Oral treatments with oils or detergents can be effective, alongside methods to relieve gas. Terra NutriTECH’s Bloat-Oil is a useful product for both treatment and prevention at the herd level. It can be dosed through water manually or automatically via the Terra NutriTECH Mineral Dosing System during risk periods, helping to prevent bloating from lush grass and high clover pastures.

Grass Growth and Bloat

With heavy rainfall, grass swards begin to grow vigorously. While this is beneficial, it also heightens the risk of bloat within herds.

Clovers, in particular, can exacerbate this risk. Lush regrowths tend to be low in fibre and high in soluble protein, which increases the likelihood of bloat. The high sugar and water content in grass may lead to increased gas production by the rumen bugs, potentially reducing saliva production that buffers the rumen.

Fertiliser applications may also elevate non-protein nitrogen (NPN) levels in the rumen, contributing to increased gas and insoluble protein formation. Farmers should be vigilant when introducing livestock to new, lush pastures with clover. Using strip wires to gradually acclimate them is a wise strategy. If bloat is a concern, our Bloat-Oil can help mitigate risks and refine grazing strategies.

Clovers, in particular, pose an additional risk.

Benefits of Terra NutriTech's Bloat-Oil

• Aids in the prevention of bloat in livestock feeding on lush grass or high clover content.
  • Reduces animal loss
  • Lowers labour demands
  • Enhances milk yield
  • Supports overall herd health
  • Maximises grass utilisation

We've successfully delivered Bloat-Oil to clients right across the island of Ireland, addressing bloat issues on farms. It’s advisable to implement strip wires to prevent cows from gorging on lush spring grass and to incorporate bloat oil into troughs, either manually or through the Terra NutriTECH mineral dispenser

Used to stop bloating symptoms occurring from lush grass and
high clover pastures.

Get In Touch

For more information on utilising an automated mineral dosing system, please contact
Ronan: (087) 708 6714. 

You can also email us with your inquiries, and our team will respond promptly to assist you.