Role of the Rumen Ciliates in Bloat in Cattle

BLOAT (tympanites) in ruminants is characterized by distension of the forestomachs following interference with the normal elimination of gas produced by the microbial digestion of food in those organs. Bloat occurs in cattle usually when fresh legumes are fed, but it may also develop when high-grain rations are supplied in the feed. Many hypotheses have been put forward to explain the ailment, but all have been inadequate in view of its variable nature 1 . Not all animals bloat readily and not all legume pastures produce bloat in susceptible animals.