bloat block

[Limomike]

Has anyone ever tried one of those things and had any success with it? I just took a 400 lb steer in to the vet to get him treated, and there was an 80 yr old man standing there, told me he always got rid of bloat using a bloat block. I had never heard of it, but he swore it worked.
I was used to running a tube down their throat, and getting the gas out that way, then pouring some oil down there to help get rid of it. but I always had it come back if I kept the calf. so now, I just sell them after I get em treated.
This was the first calf I ever had get it while on grass, usually when it has happened to any other calves they have been dry lot and on feed.
Have you all tried a bloat block and if so.. how did it work for u?

 

[dun]

I've used them in the past as a preventative before turning them ou on mostly clover patches. Could be like the elephant repellent, never had an elephant on the place OR bloat.

 

[inyati13]

This is the one my feedstore stocks (Mayslick Mill, Mayslick, KY, Home of "Boyd Cattle Company"). Year before last they could not haul them in fast enough. That was the year spring started in February. It was called a "clover year". I used it and it seems to work. Read this for the active ingredients:

http://www.ranch-way.com/products/feedl ... ard-blocks

 

[TexasBred]

They work but put them out before you start the grazing.

 

[branguscowgirl]

I have a really heavy clover pasture. I do use bloat blocks and have never had a case of bloat. My conclusion, either they work really well or I have just been very lucky.

 

[Commercialfarmer]

They do help, use them with wheat pasture. You can still have a problem calf that his rumen just doesn't function right.