Is there some deficiency that causes bloat?

[mrs whodunit]

Haven't changed feed at all. Its a grass hay with a smidgen of alfalfa. They are fed free choice hay and have a pan of baking soda.

Being as how I don't have any of the normal causes of bloat I wonder if its some type of a deficiency that making them more prone?

I don't have any Tide..... need to get some.

Any thoughts?

[notwyse]

If your grass hay has more alfalfa than normal and it is early cutting...they could be picking out the alfalfa. First and second cutting worst for goats.

[mrs whodunit]

Its mostly grass with just a smidgin of alfalfa..... because its grass it would be first cutting.

Our ponies eat it just fine as do my bosses cows.

Our goats have been eating this hay since January.

[LomahAcres]

Are you sure you are seeing bloat and not just hay bellies? If they have any type of molasses grain / mineral or any soy in their feeds that can make them more likely to bloat, but have yet to hear of a mineral deficiency causing bloat . . .

[mrs whodunit]

Originally Posted by LomahAcres

Are you sure you are seeing bloat and not just hay bellies? If they have any type of molasses grain / mineral or any soy in their feeds that can make them more likely to bloat, but have yet to hear of a mineral deficiency causing bloat . . .

Definitely bloat.

One wether just gets hay and he get bloat every so often.

We just lost a nanny to bloat all she got was hay and then alfalfa pellets during milking.

For all the years I have taken care of goats I have never had this problem.

So thats why I was wondering if some type of a deficiency would cause such issues?

[Alice In TX/MO]

Is there spring grass they are getting into?

I'm googling, but haven't found anything about it being linked to a deficiency.

[willielisa]

Have they had antibiotics or anything that would supress the rumen?

[Frosted Mini's]

Originally Posted by notwyse

If your grass hay has more alfalfa than normal and it is early cutting...they could be picking out the alfalfa. First and second cutting worst for goats.

I would argue that 3rd+ cuttings of hay (at least alfalfa) are more bloaty than the first ones. Especially if it has been baled for not too long.

[punchiepal]

There could be unseen molds in the hay that are causing problems.

[LomahAcres]

That was my next thought - quality of or something in the hay?

Maybe try adding some probiotics to their diet / mineral mix.

[Alice In TX/MO]

Do you have Baking Soda out free choice for them?

I've heard of using Tide for cattle with bloat, but I've never heard of using it for goats.

[mrs whodunit]

No spring grass or weeds for them to get into.

Baking soda is free choice

No antibiotics

Havent seen any moldy hay but will keep my eye out.

[mrs whodunit]

Just found an article where somebody thinks there is a deficiency issue.

Recent research has also shown that a lack of potassium and magnesium in the goat diet can cause bloat, especially in pastures where clover is dominant.

Thats from Goatworld.com

Will have to look into that more.

Haven't done free choice minerals lately as they haven't been wanting them. I do have kelp and loose minerals... will get those put back out

[billinwv]

Minerals are always a good idea. I like purina Hi-mag with SE. If your goats diet is too "soft" you may want to give them coarse straw along with their other feed. This will stimulate them to burp.

[Cyngbaeld]

Calcium deficiency can cause bloat. Increase the alfalfa or add dolomite to their diet.