tell me about bloat blocks

[greybeard]

Will be turning bred heifers out onto some good growing, but under fertilized ryegrass/wheat/oat mix soon (early Jan) and they'll have plenty of bahia/bermuda hay, as well as hi mag mineral supplement, loose salt, and protein lick tubs. I haven't had a bloat problem in years, and don't really have any specific reason to expect to now, but after reading some posts about bloat, I'd like to know more about it.

Do the blocks work?
How?
Worth the little bit of expense?
How many head/block?
Can they over eat them?
Can they cause problems with bred cattle?
Some better than others?
TIA.

 

[TexasBred]

GB here is information about the Sweetlix block which is probably what you will find more easily in our neck of the woods and yes they do work but are a little "pricey" .
HOW TO FEED
FEEDING AND MANAGEMENT:

1. To be fed at the rate of 0.8 oz. of block per 100 lb. of body weight per day. Example: 8 oz. (0.5 lb.) of block for a 1000 lb. animal daily.

2. For adequate protection it is essential that each animal consume the total recommended dosage of SWEETLIX®Bloat Guard®Block Daily.

3. Omit all salt from feed. Do not feed free choice sources of salt or mineral containing salt in any form. These blocks are an adequate source of salt.

4. Begin feeding blocks continuously. Feed blocks and full feed dry non-legume hay at least 48 hours prior to legume (alfalfa, clover) consumption. Repeat when block consumption is interrupted to maintain control.

5. Provide at least 1 block for each 5 head of cattle; add 1 additional block when each block has been half-consumed.

6. The location of the block is extremely important for adequate consumption. Place blocks where cattle congregate (watering, grazing and loafing areas) in order to limit the distance an animal must travel to have ready access to a block.

7. Controlled grazing practices (Strip Grazing) are recommended in order to limit the distance an animal must travel to have ready access to a block.

8. In some instances, it may be necessary to confine cattle in a dry lot with additional SWEETLIX® Bloat Guard® Blocks for a period each day.

ACTIVE DRUG INGREDIENT

Polaxalene*…………………….6.6%(29.94 g/lb)

*With 0.03 Ethoxyquin and 0.095% BHT (both preservatives).

Prevention of legume (alfalfa, clover) and wheat pasture bloat when fed continuously during exposure to bloat-producing conditions.

CAUTION

USE AS DIRECTED.Consumption of selenium should not exceed 3 mg per head daily. Access to, and intake of blocks may be limited during or directly after heavy rain or dew, and after frost or change of pasture. Variation in cattle routine may change their feeding and watering habits. Relocate blocks immediately as necessary. Special caution should be taken. Water high in salt and alkaline soils limit consumption and performance.

 

[Angus Cowman]

Yes they work !
As for # of hd pr block I forget
I always used them for a week before turn out on rye but i was turning out late winter early spring when it was growing rapidly
I also made sure cattle had their bellys full when I turned them out

In oklahoma we used them when we turned out on alfalfa and have seen the results of dead cows when we didnt use them

 

[greybeard]

I appreciate the replys and the PMs--not much I can do about the morning dews here in E Texas tho.
I guess the "no other salt" thing means no 1:3 range meal either?