SHEEP BLOAT AND HOW TO TREAT IT 



Bloating is a swelling that shows on the left side of the sheep's 

 abdomen just in front of the hip bone. 



It is caused by gas forming in the stomach from the fermenta- 

 tion of green leguminous feed, like clover and alfalfa. 



Sheep are very apt to die from bloat if not relieved early. 



Bloat usually happens when sheep are pastured on young and 

 rapidly growing clover, alfalfa or rape. 



There is more danger when grazing while the dew is on or after 

 a rain. 



Sweet Clover Will Not Bloat Sheep or Any Live Stock 



There is little danger of bloating if the sheep are gradually ac- 

 customed to the clover, alfalfa or rape by turning them on it for 

 only a short time each day for a few days before allowing them to 

 have all they will eat. 



It is best to turn the sheep into clover or rape the first time in 

 the afternoon after they have had a chance to fill up on other grass 

 so they will not eat so greedily. 



If sheep that have become accustomed to clover pasture are 

 taken away for a day or two and returned hungry, they are apt to 

 overeat and bloat. 



Care and good judgment will prevent practically all loss from 

 bloating. 



Remedies for Bloat 



There are several simple remedies that if given in time, will re- 

 lieve the sheep. One is to drench the sheep with a pint of milk 

 after stirring in it a tablespoon of baking soda. If the milk 

 cannot be had use warm water with the soda. 



Another is to give a pint or more of milk fresh from the cow. 



This remedy was first prescribed by Mr. Frank Kleinheinz, of 

 Madison, Wisconsin, and has been successfully used since by many 

 farmers. 



Another: Give four tablespoons of linseed oil and a teaspoon 

 of turpentine in a half pint of milk. 



Relief sometimes can be secured by forcing the sheep's mouth 

 open by holding a hammer handle or smooth stick crosswise like 

 a bridle bit in the mouth and pressing gently on the swelled side. 



It is always best to give one of the doses prescribed above as 

 soon as the swelling is noticed and sheep is seen to be in distress; 

 then the mouth can be held open. Sometimes a second dose in a 



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