Bloat... how to control it?

[BugGal]

Hi Everyone,
I am new to goats (about 3 weeks old). We suspect that some of our goats have bloat because they have extended sides. I was told to free feed baking soda and this will help control the bloat.
Has anyone had experience with this?
What do you recommend?
Sorry if this is in the wrong topic but I wasn't sure where to put it.

Thanks
Lisa
Bug Gal

 

[babsbag]

Could you get some pictures? Some goats have really well developed rumens and they look bloated but they aren't. A goat with bloat is usually miserable, not eating, and not moving much. They may be literally leaning on a tree or barn, they just plain don't feel good. Unless there is a food issue it would also be unusual for more than one to be bloated. I have raised goats for 10 years and I have over 40 of them and I have had two goats bloat in all those years and both times it was feed related. If fed correctly bloat is not that common.

 

[babsbag]

Also, I don't leave baking soda out for the goats, I know that many people do and it is a good idea if you feed a lot of grain, which I don't. I feed mainly alfalfa. It won't hurt to leave it out for them. They may or may not eat it.

 

[luvmypets]

I had the same concern with my ewes but it was just that their rumens were full. I mean when my sheep come in from the field they look like little chunks running. When I first had sheep any time their bellies looked bigger than normal, it would get me very concerned. But you learn in time the signs of bloat. First thing is they are going to look very uncomfortable. They will appear lethargic and may refuse to move. Also pay attention to their ears because that can say a lot as well, if they are droopy or pinned to the side it could be an indicator something is off. Over time you learn to read your animals, where you can pinpoint the smallest things. I dont think your boys have bloat, although you know them best.