Effects of adsorbents and probiotics in mitigating simplexin poisoning effects in cattle fed Pimelea

Abstract

Pimelea poisoning of cattle occurs only in arid inland Australia and is caused by the toxin, simplexin found in some native Pimelea plant species. Pimelea-affected cattle show distinctive physical symptoms including subcutaneous oedema under the jaw and brisket, diarrhoea and anaemia. Simplexin was thought to be circulated in the bloodstream to exert its toxic effect, but due to its hydrophobic nature the extent of its blood carriage is unknown. Fletcher et al. (2014) postulated a possible role of rumen microorganisms adapting to detoxify simplexin in cattle fed Pimelea over a prolonged period of time. Anecdotal reports have suggested cattle supplemented with biochar and bentonite showed resistance towards Pimelea poisoning. In this project, a pen trial (QAFFI/QASP/337/20/DAF) was conducted to determine the efficacy of adsorbents (biochar and bentonite) and a bacterial inoculum for reducing the effects of Pimelea poisoning in steers.