Bloat in cattle

Abstract

Epidinium ecaudatum can slowly metabolise glucose, and to a lesser extent fructose, with production of amylopectin storage granules characteristically situated. The non-ionic “Pluronic” detergent L62, a mixed polymer of ethylene and propylene glycols, is lethal to Epidinium above a concentration of 0.05 % It is less harmful to the larger rumen holotrichs particularly when the latter are not well filled with storage polysaccharide. Introduction of L62 (25–75 ml) into the cow's rumen quickly brings about a diminution in the active ciliate population. Epidinia and the smaller rumen holotrichs seem most affected. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.