Studies on the alimentary tract of merino sheep in South Africa. VIII. The pathogenesis of acute tympanites (bloat)

Abstract

Concerning the pathogenesis of acute bloat, this has been shown to be closely associated with the production of gas during the rapid oxidation of sugar mainly by yeast cells as described above. Normal eructation of gas may be impeded as a result of excessive foam production in the forestomachs especially when animals are restricted to a diet of green lucerne. This foaming up of the ruminal mass is directly attributable to the presence of saponin in lucerne which through its action on surface tension retards the breaking of the foam. Undue frothing of the ruminal ingesta can be controlled by resorting to a feeding practice in which green lucerne is supplied to cattle and sheep only after the consumption of other foods. In a subsequent report attention will be devoted to hydrogen-ion concentration in relation to fermentation in the forestomachs.