162 DAIRY FARMING 



not readily separate. Before using, add this mixture to 

 19 gallons of water. The emulsion may be applied with a 

 spray pump, or with a brush, wetting the entire animal 

 thoroughly. The above amount is enough for twenty cows. 



148. Bloat. This trouble comes from the formation of 

 an excessive amount of gas in the paunch. It often results 

 from pasturing on alfalfa or clover, but may occur with any 

 kind of feed. It is known by the excessive swelling of the 

 left flank. If relief is not obtained in time, the animal 

 may die from suffocation due to the great pressure on the 

 lungs. In mild cases driving the animal at a rapid rate 

 for some distance may be sufficient. Cold water thrown in 

 quantities upon the cow's sides may reduce the pressure. 



The Kentucky Experiment Station recommends for acute 

 bloating that a quart of 1J per cent solution of formalin be 

 given as a drench followed by placing a wooden block in the 

 animal's mouth for a short time. 1 



In case relief cannot be obtained otherwise, the gas must 

 be removed without delay. This is best done by the use 

 of a trocar. In using this instrument a spot is selected on 

 the left side equally distant from the last rib, the hip bone, 

 and the backbone. The skin is cut for about an inch, then 

 the trocar is thrust into the paunch. The sheath of the tro- 

 car is allowed to remain in the opening as long as any gas 

 escapes, which may be several hours. It is generally advis- 

 able to give a dose of 1 to 1J pounds of salts after a case of 

 bloating. 



149. Cowpox. This trouble is common with dairy cattle. 

 It appears as pustules especially on the udder and surround- 

 ing parts. The virus used in the vaccination of human 

 beings against smallpox is obtained from cows that have had 



1 Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station, Circular 5. 



