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==Description==
==Description==
Bloat is the ruminal distension caused by excessive accumulation of gas produced by the fermentation process. Bloat can be categorised according to cause into '''Primary bloat''' (frothy bloat) and '''secondary bloat''' (free gas bloat). The condition progresses rapidly and can be fatal.
'''Bloat''' is the ruminal distension caused by excessive accumulation of gas produced by the fermentation process. Bloat can be categorised according to cause into '''Primary bloat''' (frothy bloat) and '''secondary bloat''' (free gas bloat). The condition progresses rapidly and can be fatal.
===Primary bloat===
===Primary bloat===
Primary bloat, or frothy bloat is the common type of bloat, and usually affects several animals in a group. The condition can occur in feedlot cattle but is most frequently associated with cattle grazing lush, leguminous pastures. Occurs following ingestion of large amounts of succulent green plant material. This is highly fermentable and produces large amounts of gas.
'''Primary bloat''', or frothy bloat is the common type of bloat, and usually affects several animals in a group at once. The condition can occur in feedlot cattle but is most frequently associated with cattle grazing lush, leguminous pastures. it occurs following the ingestion of large amounts of succulent green plant material which is highly fermentable and produces large amounts of gas. The material also contains high levels of soluble proteins, these act as foaming agents by reducing surface tension but increasing surface viscosity of rumenal liquids and a stable rumenal foam forms. The [[Volatile Fatty Acids - Anatomy & Physioogy|volatile fatty acids]] of the plant material consumed lower pH, optimising conditions for formation of froth. Gas present as foam is insufficient to trigger eructation, and so the [[The Rumen - Anatomy & Physiology|rumen]] becomes distended.
===Seconday bloat===
===Seconday bloat===