The use of a medicated molasses block to control bloat

Abstract

Seven grazing experiments were undertaken on bloat inducing pastures during 1973 and 1974 in which cattle were allocated to two groups on the basis of bloat susceptibility. One group received a molasses block containing 10 per cent or 15 per cent alcohol ethoxylate ('Teric' 12A23B), and the second group received either no supplement or a placebo block or hay treated with mineral oil. In two trials where moderate to severe bloat conditions occurred, supplementation with medicated blocks significantly (P < 0.01) reduced the frequency of bloating, and in one of these trials the severity of bloating was also significantly reduced (P < 0.01). In the remaining trials, where mild bloat conditions prevailed, the medicated blocks had no significant effect in reducing bloat frequency.