Rumensin helps to reduce the incidence and severity of legume bloat in cattle

Authors

Tiruvoor G. Nagaraja
M.P. Katz
L.R. Fina

Keywords

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station contribution; no. 86-94-S; Report of progress (Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station); 484; Dairy; Rumensin; Bloat; Protozoa; Alfalfa

Abstract

Monensin at 300 mg and 450 mg per 1000 lbs body weight reduced the severity of alfalfa pasture bloat by 41.2 and 73.1 %, respectively. Lasalocid at the same levels reduced the bloat score by 25.5 and 12.4%. The difference between the two antibiotics appears to be in their ability to inhibit rumen protozoa. Monensin reduced protozoal population in the rumen, whereas lasalocid had no effect. A smaller protozoal population decreases compounds that contribute to frothiness and also increases substances such as plant chloroplasts, which have antifrothing properties.; Dairy Day, 1985, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 1985;

Recommended Citation

Nagaraja, Tiruvoor G.; Katz, M.P.; and Fina, L.R. (1985) "Rumensin helps to reduce the incidence and severity of legume bloat in cattle," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 0: Iss. 2. https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.3089