Can anyone give me some suggestions on how to keep a steer from bloating. It has already bloated twice (2 vet visits already and fair isn't until August) and looks like it could again almost anytime. We have cut back on grain, using only grass hay (no alfalfa), giving pro-bios, and using a powder bicarbonate on the grain to help prevent it. We also have a bloat block in the pen.
Any new suggestions that have worked will be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help! Ronda
Last year I had a steer that was a chronic bloater. I ended up feeding him by himself and giving him a 1/4 a cup of baking soda in the morning and also at night. Just mix it into his feed. I suggest you start out in smaller quantities, whatever you feel works. This worked for me and I suggest you try it. My steer was fine all summer and ended up being the top gaining steer at our county fair. Good Luck!
