Reticular groove contraction in dairy cattle following drenching with an anti-bloat solution or a combination of anti-bloat solution and NaCl

Authors: O'Connor MB, Waller JE, Hobson BL, McLeay LM
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 50, Issue 2, pp 77-80, Apr 2002
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Cattle, Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant
Subject Terms: Abdomen, Alimentary system/gastroenterology, Disease/defect, Minerals/elememts, Physiology, Treatment/therapy
Article class: Short Communication

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Abstract: AIM: To determine whether the inclusion of NaCl in an antibloat drench increased the incidence of contraction of the reticular (oesophageal) groove in cattle.
METHODS: Non-lactating Friesian dairy cows aged 3-10 years (n=30) were subjected to a ¹³C-octanoic-acid breath test after being drenched with either an anti-bloat solution alone or a mixture of anti-bloat solution and NaCl, to determine the incidence of reticular groove contraction.
RESULTS: Drenching with an anti-bloat solution alone did not result in detectable by-pass of the reticulorumen in 27/29 cows; minor by-pass occurred in 2/29 cows. The inclusion of NaCl in the anti-bloat solution increased the incidence of reticulorumen by-pass; minor by-pass occurred in 12/30 cows and substantial by-pass was detected in 5/30 cows. The incidence of by-pass did not vary significantly with cow age.
CONCLUSIONS: Drenching with an anti-bloat solution alone did not result in significant by-pass of the reticulorumen. The inclusion of NaCl in the anti-bloat drench increased the incidence of reticulorumen by-pass. The proportion of anti-bloat/ NaCl fluid by-passed was considered to be of no practical significance to the protection from bloat afforded in the majority of animals, but may significantly decrease protection from bloat afforded by drenching in 10-15% of cows. The proportion of animals at risk within a herd may vary with their physiological state and the method and frequency (number of doses per drench) of drenching.
KEY WORDS: Dairy cow, bloat, reticular groove, drench, NaCl, reticulorumen by-pass.

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