ANSWER TO QUESTION OF THE WEEK (from last Wed.): The risk factors for abomasal bloat (clostridial abomasitis) are primarily related to feeding practices. Any inconsistency or variation in milk/milk replacer feedings, such as a change in the concentration of milk replacer (or total solids of whole milk), milk replacer that’s not thoroughly mixed up, a change in feeding times, unequal intervals between feedings, etc. increase the chance of a calf developing this disease. Another key risk factor is feeding milk/milk replacer too cold (< 95 deg F). All of these things can slow GI tract motility, reducing the rate at which the abomasum empties, thereby allowing overgrowth of Clostridium & Sarcina species of bacteria in the abomasum. If you are experiencing abomasal bloat cases, ask your veterinarian to help you assess and manage the risk factors present on your farm. They can also train you and your employees to diagnose & treat these cases, as immediate treatment is necessary to prevent death of the calf.
Posted on: Mon, 06 Oct 2014 20:34:08 +0000
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