Bloat occurs when rumen gas production exceeds the rate of gas elimination. If the situation continues, the inflated rumen interferes with respiration.
Death is normally due to suffocation.
Bloat is often associated with discontinous grazing, such as the removal of animals from legumes pastures overnight. Pasture bloat may occur when grazing is interrupted by adverse weather, such as storms, or biting flies. Anyting that alters normal grazing habits will increase the incidience of bloat. Crownvetch Lespedeza Fall rye Most grasses Alfalfa can cause bloat in the spring, summer, and fall. Fall bloat conditions are caused by frequent heavy dew or fall frost.