Bloat in Cattle. X. Efficacy of Poloxalene in Controlling Alfalfa Bloat in Dairy Steers and in Lactating Cows in Commercial Dairy Herds

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Abstract
Three experiments tested the efficacy of a nonionic surfactant, poloxalene, a polyoxypropylene polyoxyethylene block polymer, to control alfalfa bloat. In Experiment I, 4 Kansas dairy herds were used in the spring of 1964. Half of each herd served as controls and half were fed poloxalene. All were provided succulent alfalfa. The treatments were reversed after 7-10 days. In 3 herds, poloxalene prevented legume bloat nearly 100% of the time. In the 4th herd, a few poloxalene-treated cows bloated. Raising the level of poloxalene stopped the bloat. On completion of the reversal trial, all cows in 2 herds were fed poloxalene before pasturing alfalfa. No bloat occurred. In Experiment II (fall of 1964), all cows in 4 Kansas herds were fed poloxalene before being fed succulent alfalfa. Again, 100% control of bloat was achieved when cows consumed sufficient poloxalene. In Experiment HI, 36 dairy steers were used at Iowa State University, Ames. Half served as control and half received poloxalene before being provided succulent alfalfa. During the 113-day trial complete bloat control was achieved when animals consumed at least half the poloxalene offered. Results indicate that effectiveness of poloxalene as a bloat preventive remains constant as the season progresses. An effective level to prevent bloat appears to be at least 10 g poloxalene per 500 kg body weight per feeding.