The war on bloat Cattle producers know the production value of alfalfa, but they are worried about bloat. Now, researchers are finding ways to protect grazing cattle from the potentially deadly effects of bloat. Lethbridge research contributed to development of the low-bloat variety AC Grazeland, released from the Saskatoon Research Centre. Scientists are also field testing grazing strategies to ease bloat. Studies show that mature plants are less likely to cause bloat than those in early growth stages, that continuous grazing is better than an interrupted regime, and that cattle should be moved to alfalfa in the afternoon, not in the morning.
Research also indicates sainfoin, when mixed with alfalfa, reduces bloat.
Use of the new and improved bloat-free cicer milkvetch cultivar, AC Oxley II, in pasture mixes is expected to increase grazing activity in Western Canada. No longer, says breeder Dr. Surya Acharya. A new cicer milkvetch variety, AC Oxley II, released in 2000, represents a major leap in yield potential and seedling vigor, bringing the crop closer to perfection for pasture grazing. Regional adaptation To improve the crop's potential in Western Canada, a special inoculant needs to be developed. Slow growth at seedling stage has spurred the Centre's researchers to develop seeding guidelines that can produce vigorous stands of cicer milkvetch in just one season.