Toxicosis in goat by Mulato grass (Brachiaria ruziziensis- Brachiaria brizantha) in Artemisa province

[摘要] A case of unusual mortality was studied to elucidate the suspicion of toxicosis in a feedlot herd of 98 Boer goats. The basic diet consisted of conventional feedstuff, Mulato grass (B. ruzizienses- B. brizanta) forage from the own unit areas, hay produced from the same grass, and water ad libitum. There was a sub-acute curse mainly characterized by anorexia, progressive deterioration, ruminal paralysis in isolated cases, icterus in absence of fever in the majority of animals. Morbidity reached up to50 % and mortality up to 16%. As part of the case research, haematological, bacteriological, and serological studies were carried out. Pathomorphological studies were done on two of the dead animals. A hepatic-renal insufficiency and hemorrhagic diathesis due to an acute hepatic insufficiency were consistent with death cause. It was concluded that the process studied was caused by the consumption of Mulato grass as the unique fibrous food, due to the toxic effect of saponins present in this Brachiaria species.

[学科分类] 兽医学

[关键词] grass;Brachiaria;toxicosis;goat;saponin