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Sulfur-associated polioencephalomalacia in cattle grazing plants in the Family Brassicaceae

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McKenzie, R.A., Carmichael, A.M., Schibrowski, M.L., Duigan, S.A., Gibson, J.A. and Taylor, J.D. (2009) Sulfur-associated polioencephalomalacia in cattle grazing plants in the Family Brassicaceae. Australian Veterinary Journal, 87 (1-2). pp. 27-32.

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Article Link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.2008.00387.x

Abstract

Polioencephalomalacia was diagnosed histologically in cattle from two herds on the Darling Downs, Queensland, during July-August 2007. In the first incident, 8 of 20 18-month-old Aberdeen Angus steers died while grazing pastures comprising 60% Sisymbrium irio (London rocket) and 40% Capsella bursapastoris (shepherd's purse). In the second incident, 2 of 150 mixed-breed adult cattle died, and another was successfully treated with thiamine, while grazing a pasture comprising almost 100% Raphanus raphanistrum (wild radish). Affected cattle were either found dead or comatose or were seen apparently blind and head-pressing in some cases. For both incidents, plant and water assays were used to calculate the total dietary sulfur content in dry matter as 0.62% and 1.01% respectively, both exceeding the recommended 0.5% for cattle eating more than 40% forage. Blood and tissue assays for lead were negative in both cases. No access to thiaminase, concentrated sodium ion or extrinsic hydrogen sulfide sources were identified in either incident. Below-median late summer and autumn rainfall followed by above-median unseasonal winter rainfall promoted weed growth at the expense of wholesome pasture species before these incidents.

Item Type:Article
Corporate Creators:Biosecurity Queensland
Additional Information:© Australian Veterinary Association.
Keywords:Brassicaceae; Cattle; Pasture weeds; Polioencephalomalacia; Clinical review; Sulfur; Cerebrocortical Necrosis; Sheep.
Subjects:Veterinary medicine > Veterinary toxicology
Animal culture > Rangelands. Range management. Grazing
Animal culture > Cattle
Animal culture > Feeds and feeding. Animal nutrition
Live Archive:14 Apr 2009 06:59
Last Modified:08 Feb 2024 02:02

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