Lush green forage is wilted before feeding to ruminants to prevent

The wilting of lush green forage is done to prevent Bloat in ruminants. Bloat is a condition that occurs when gas accumulates in the rumen (stomach) of ruminants, such as cows or sheep, and cannot be expelled. This can cause discomfort, difficulty breathing, and even death in severe cases. When fresh forage is consumed, it contains a lot of moisture and can produce excessive amounts of gas during fermentation in the rumen. This gas can cause the rumen to distend, making it difficult for the animal to breathe and leading to bloat. Wilted forage, on the other hand, has a lower moisture content and therefore produces less gas during fermentation in the rumen. This reduces the risk of bloat and makes it safer for ruminants to consume. In summary, the wilting of lush green forage is done to prevent bloat in ruminants by reducing the amount of gas produced during fermentation in the rumen.