Association of excess sulfur intake and an increase in hydrogen sulfide concentrations in the ruminal gas cap of recently weaned beef calves with polioencephalomalacia

摘要

Over a 2-week period, 16 of 150 recently weaned calves developed signs of polioencephalomalacia. Examination of 10 healthy pen-mates of affected calves showed high H2S concentrations in the rumen contents (>0.69 mg/litre). Blood thiamine levels werenormal. An examination of feeds showed a concentration of sulfur of 0.9% dry matter, which was thought to be the cause of the outbreak. Most of the dietary sulfur was contained in the hay which included substantial amounts of Canadian thistle (Cirsium arvense).