What Causes A Calf To Bloat?

It is believed that the type of feed can affect or cause bloat. Feeds and diets that provide fine particulate matter to form in the rumen coupled with fermentation causing readily digestible nutrients can be a cause of bloat. Also over feeding, consumption of air along with feed and gastrointestinal diseases can also cause bloat. Bloat is also referred to as gastric torsion or gastric dilation volvulus. It is a medical condition that occurs when gas content makes the stomach over stretch. The expansion of the stomach prevents the gas from escaping by blocking or constricting the oesophagus. The stomach expands in both direction and constrains the animal from belching or vomiting as well. Controlling the diet of the animal is believed to prevent bloat. Feeds such as alfalfa and cloves are believed to cause bloat.