Wholemeal refers to the entire wheat plant, including the straw, kernels, and bran, all connected together. During the wheat harvest season, cattle and sheep often have access to these whole plants, which are highly palatable. As a result, animals tend to overeat, leading to potential digestive issues. Whole wheat is dry, tough, and elastic, making it difficult for the animal to chew and digest properly. It can become entangled in the stomach, causing slow rumination. Additionally, it contains substances that promote foaming, which can lead to severe bloating that is hard to treat.
The symptoms of rapid abdominal distension include a swollen left flank, a gurgling or semi-muffled sound when pressing on the area, rapid breathing, restlessness, and frequent kicking. If the condition worsens, the animal may experience difficulty breathing, unsteady walking, and blue-purple discoloration of the mucous membranes. The eyes may appear sunken and bloodshot, and in severe cases, the animal may die from respiratory failure.
Treatment is challenging because the gas produced is frothy and not easily released through traditional methods. A trocar may be used to puncture the rumen, but it often fails to release much gas. Instead, a stomach tube can be inserted via the esophagus to help expel both gas and liquid. One person can press the abdominal wall to assist with the release. A defoaming agent like "silicone defoamer" is recommended: 15 grams for cattle and 5 grams for sheep, diluted 20-30 times with water and administered through the stomach tube. After treatment, the animal should be kept warm and given some time to recover. At this point, the trocar can be used more effectively to release trapped gas. In the absence of silicone defoamer, turpentine can be used as an alternative, though its effectiveness is slightly reduced. Dosage is 30 ml for cows and 10 ml for sheep, diluted 10 times with soybean oil and administered via the stomach tube. Most animals recover after defoaming and decompression. However, if the condition recurs, surgical intervention may be necessary, involving incision of the rumen to remove the contents.
Prevention is always better than cure. It's crucial to limit access to whole wheat during harvest. When transporting wheat, especially with cattle, using a "mouth guard" is essential to prevent animals from eating the whole plant. Proper management and feeding practices can significantly reduce the risk of this condition.
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