Introduction

Anorexia and indigestion are common but serious issues in cows and buffaloes, especially in regions like Pakistan and India where livestock play a central role in rural economies. These conditions, if ignored, can lead to reduced milk production, weight loss, poor immunity, and even death. In this article, we’ll explore the causes, signs, diagnosis, treatments (both traditional and medical), and preventive strategies for anorexia, indigestion, bloat, and related infections in cattle.



This article is written in a tone similar to Dr. Muhammad Arif from the "Livestock Health" YouTube channel, focusing on practical, farmer-friendly knowledge.

1. Understanding Anorexia in Cattle

Anorexia is a condition where the animal loses interest in feed and stops eating. It’s not a disease itself but a symptom indicating something is wrong in the animal’s body. If the animal is not eating, it is not digesting. And if it's not digesting, its rumen is not functioning properly.

Causes of Anorexia:

1. Change in weather or sudden drop in temperature

2. Poor-quality or moldy fodder

3. Overfeeding grains or green fodder suddenly

4. Internal infections (bacterial, viral, or parasitic)

5. Mouth ulcers, dental issues, or tongue injuries

6. Liver fluke or blood parasites

7. Metabolic disorders (like ketosis or acidosis)

2. Importance of Rumination (Cud Chewing)

Cows and buffaloes are ruminants. Their digestive system relies heavily on rumination — the process of regurgitating and re-chewing partially digested food. If you notice your animal is not chewing cud, it’s a warning sign.

Why Rumination Stops:

Blockage in rumen movement

Acidosis due to overfeeding concentrates

Weak rumen muscles

Gas formation and bloating

No cud = No digestion = Health collapse.

3. Indigestion in Cows and Buffaloes

Indigestion is a broad term but in veterinary terms, it includes several types of rumen dysfunction. It can be simple indigestion, acid indigestion, or alkaline indigestion.

Types of Indigestion:

  1. Simple Indigestion: Caused by feed change or spoiled fodder

  2. Acid Indigestion: Excess grain leading to acidic pH in rumen

  3. Alkaline Indigestion: Rumen pH goes too high due to lack of fermentable carbs

All three lead to the same result: poor rumen motility, bloat, loss of appetite, and toxin accumulation.

4. Symptoms of Anorexia and Bloat

Not eating feed or showing interest

Not chewing cud

Distended left abdomen (especially upper part)

Grunting or pain signs

Drooling saliva

Weak pulse, rapid breathing in serious cases

Reduced or absent rumen movements

Foul-smelling stool or diarrhea

Dehydration and sunken eyes

5. Bloat (Tympany) – A Life-Threatening Emergency

There are two main types of bloat:

  1. Frothy Bloat: Caused by leguminous green fodder like berseem, lucerne

  2. Free Gas Bloat: Caused by obstruction or failure in eructation

How to Identify Bloat:

Drum-like sound when tapping the left side

Animal appears restless or lies down frequently

Distended abdomen, especially on the left

Rapid breathing, inability to belch

Immediate First Aid for Bloat:

Insert a stomach tube (if trained)

Give anti-foaming agent (vegetable oil or turpentine oil with milk)

Massage the left abdomen area in a circular motion

Elevate the front legs slightly

If severe: Emergency trocharization (by a vet)

6. Infections Leading to Anorexia

Sometimes, infections like Foot and Mouth Disease, Hemorrhagic Septicemia, Black Quarter, or internal parasites can lead to anorexia. These infections damage internal organs or cause fever, leading to reduced appetite.

7. Natural Desi Remedies (Dr. Arif Style)

For Loss of Appetite:

Ajwain (carom seeds) – 50g

Ginger juice – 20ml

Desi ghee – 100ml

Mix and give orally once a day for 2 days

For Rumen Activation:

Neem leaves boiled water – 500ml

Gur (jaggery) – 250g

Hing (asafoetida) – 10g

Give this once daily to stimulate digestion

For Gas Relief (Bloat):

Mustard oil – 200ml

Turpentine oil – 50ml

Warm slightly and give orally

8. Medical Treatment (Injection + Oral)

Rumen Stimulants:

Rumentone bolus or liquid (as per weight)

Sodium bicarbonate (anti-acid)

Appetite Boosters:

Vitazinc, Amino acids, or B-complex injections

Liver tonics: Liv 52 vet, Livergen

Antibiotics (if infection suspected):

Oxytetracycline or Enrofloxacin (under vet guidance)

Anti-Bloat Agents:

Dimethicone or Bloat Stop (as prescribed)

Fluid Therapy:

If severely dehydrated: Dextrose 5% + Normal Saline IV drip

Always consult a vet for dosage and method.

9. Post-Treatment Care

Keep animal warm and stress-free

Gradually reintroduce soft green fodder

Give probiotics like yogurt mixed with water

Don’t give dry or dusty hay for a few days

10. Prevention Tips

Avoid sudden change in diet

Don’t feed wet fodder early in the morning

Use dry roughage along with green fodder

Avoid overfeeding grains

Deworm regularly (3-month schedule)

Provide clean drinking water

Maintain hygienic shed conditions

11. Farmer FAQs

Q: My cow is not eating for 2 days. What to do?
A: Start with rumen stimulants, give desi remedies, and check for fever. If no response in 24 hours, call a vet.

Q: Can we use human antacids for cows?
A: No, use veterinary-grade sodium bicarbonate or proper boluses.

Q: My buffalo bloats every 2–3 days. Why?
A: Repeated bloat is a sign of dietary imbalance or rumen microbe issue. Get a vet check.

12. Final Advice by Livestock Expert

Don’t ignore signs like loss of appetite and no cud-chewing. These are the body’s early warning systems. Use desi treatments alongside modern medicine, but always seek vet advice for proper diagnosis. Prevention is always better than cure — manage feed, hygiene, and timely vaccinations to keep your animals healthy and productive.

Conclusion

Cows and buffaloes are precious assets to any farmer. Anorexia and indigestion may seem minor at first, but they can cause major health issues if not managed properly. By understanding the causes, applying effective remedies, and using both natural and modern treatments, we can ensure our animals stay healthy, active, and profitable.