30 N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 



Bloat. 



Sheep should never be allowed to pasture on clover, alfalfa, or rape 

 when they are especially hungry. They should first be given dry rough- 

 age and then be turned on the pasture, but only for a short time each 

 day until they become accustomed to the change. If precaution is not 

 taken in this matter the sheepman will likely have a bad case of bloat 

 on his hands. 



To relieve this trouble tap the stomach on the left side at the point 

 where the distention is greatest, which will be midway between the 

 backbone, the point of the hip bone, and the last rib. A pocket knife 

 can be used for the purpose, but a trocar is best. This instrument not 

 only makes the incision but the cannula or sheath keeps it open in such 

 a way that the gas can readily escape. 



Purgatives should be given to otherwise relieve the congested con- 

 dition of the animal. Linseed oil is very desirable for this purpose. In 

 an acute attack of bloat three drams of hyposulphite of soda and one 

 dram of ginger mixed in water will usually prove very helpful. 



