"Dry bloat" is not a term we're not familiar with. Bloat is a condition that occurs when cows can't eructate (bring up gas from the stomach by belching). It is caused by a rapid change in feed or overeating grain (gaseous bloat) or grazing pure stands of clover or alfalfa (frothy bloat). Gaseous bloat is a result of improper digestion or fermentation of grain. When grain is ground to fine, the breakdown in the rumen is very rapid, and gas is produced in the rumen quickly and can't be eructated fast enough. Only coarse grind corn, meaning that there will be some whole kernels. It can be treated by passing a tube into the rumen or using a sharp-pointed instrument called a trocar and a cannula to make an external opening (last resort) in the rumen to release the gas pressure. The procedure may have to be repeated. Frothy bloat is a result of surfactants in legumes causing gas to be trapped in a bubbly foam. Large amounts of mineral oil must be forced into the rumen via a tube to break up the bubbles as a treatment for frothy bloat. Bloat must be treated quickly as the increased rumen size and pressure interferes with normal breathing.

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