What is the primary cause of frothy bloat when cattle graze fresh alfalfa pasture?
Answer
Soluble proteins create a stable foam in the rumen, trapping gas
Bloat occurs because soluble proteins in fresh legume forages generate a stable foam in the rumen, which traps gas and prevents the animal from eructating.
Related Questions
What is the typical range for crude protein levels found in alfalfa dry matter analysis?What is the primary cause of frothy bloat when cattle graze fresh alfalfa pasture?For mature, non-lactating beef cows whose primary goal is maintenance, what percentage should alfalfa generally not exceed in the total diet?Based on the example provided, how many pounds of dry matter intake (DMI) does a 1,300-pound dry cow eating 2.5% of her body weight consume daily?Why is feeding dry alfalfa hay safer than grazing fresh alfalfa regarding bloat risk?What potential issue arises when fine, leafy, high-quality alfalfa is included in a Total Mixed Ration (TMR) for dairy or feedlot cattle?When feeding 1,300-pound beef cows in a dry lot for maintenance, what is often considered a prudent daily limit for rich alfalfa hay used as a booster?For high-producing dairy cows whose nutrient demands are very high, what percentage of the *forage portion* of their diet might alfalfa hay or silage constitute?If energy requirement is the limiting factor for a cow, what might happen if an excessive amount of alfalfa is fed?How long should the slow introduction period last when adjusting cattle to higher levels of rich alfalfa to allow rumen microbes to adapt safely?