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Bloat is a serious condition that primarily arises when cattle consume lush, rapidly growing pasture, particularly legumes like clover or alfalfa. This builds up gas in the rumen, and if not treated, the pressure can become life-threatening. The correct answer highlights that bloat can lead to death if it is not addressed promptly and effectively.

As the condition progresses, the extreme pressure interferes with normal respiration and circulation, potentially causing shock and ultimately leading to death. Immediate intervention is crucial to alleviate the pressure in the rumen, such as administering anti-foaming agents, using a trochar, or other veterinary methods.

While other options touch on possible consequences of bloat, they do not directly reflect the immediate and most severe outcome associated with untreated bloat. Weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, and increased susceptibility to infections might occur over time with chronic health issues, but they are not the direct or immediate effects of bloat, making them less relevant to the critical scenario posed in the question.