Natural and experimental poisoning by Brachiaria radicans (tanner grass) in cattle.

摘要

Gava A., Simone de Deus M. R., Branco J.V., Mondadori A.J. & Marth A. 2010. [Natural and experimental poisoning by Brachiaria radicans (tanner grass) in cattle.] Intoxicacao espontanea e experimental por Brachiaria radicans (tanner-grass) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira 30(3):255-259. Centro de Ciencias Agroveterinarias, Universidade de Desenvolvimento de Santa Catarina, Av. Luiz de Camoes 2009, Lages, SC 88520-000, Brazil. E-mail: a2ag@cav.udesc.brBrachiaria radicans is a grass that grows well on humid soils. In Santa Catarina, it is found mainly in the valleys of the Tubarao and Itajai rivers. When eaten by cattle in large amounts induces hemolytic anemia, hemoglobinuria, diarrhea and even death. The objective of this study was to evaluate epidemiologic, clinical and pathological data of the intoxication caused by B. radicans in cattle. The plant was administered to 12 cattle in doses of 50-100% of the diet. The animals that received 100% of B. radicans, grown on peaty soils, showed hemoglobinuria, diarrhea and dark red mucous membranes; they recovered when ingestion of the grass was discontinued. Blood and urine tests revealed anemia, hemoglobinuria and proteinuria. Histopathology of organs collected from cattle that died from spontaneous poisoning revealed hepatic centrolobular and paracentralr coagulative necrosis and hemoglobinuric nephrosis. B. radicans proved toxic for cattle only when it grows on fertile soils and is ingested as 100% of the diet.