Abstract:
(1) Frothing of ruminal ingesta is the main cause of bloat in sheep on green
lucerne
(2) It was found that the formation of froth is dependent on the consistency
of the ruminal ingesta which in turn is influenced by reflex salivary secretion.
(3) Reflex salivary secretion is largely stimulated by the presence of coarse
material in the forestomachs and the amount of saliva secreted, therefore, depends
on the physical condition of the feed. The explanation for the protective action
of hay is based on this finding.
(4) The condition and type of lucerne fed has a direct bearing on the occurrence
of bloat.
