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Related Experiment Videos

Fly ash, basic slag and Glenbrook slag toxicity in cattle.

H F Dewes1, L M McLeay, C G Harfoot

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand.

New Zealand Veterinary Journal
|June 1, 1995
PubMed
Summary

Fly ash application as fertilizer caused high cattle death rates and illness in dairy herds. The extremely alkaline substance disrupted rumen function, leading to emaciation and hepatic fibrosis.

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Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Animal Science
  • Environmental Toxicology

Background:

  • Fly ash, a byproduct of coal combustion, is sometimes used as a soil amendment or fertilizer.
  • The environmental impact and safety of fly ash application in agricultural settings require thorough investigation.
  • Previous studies have indicated potential risks associated with heavy metals and alkalinity in fly ash.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the adverse health effects and mortality in dairy cattle following the broadcast application of fly ash as a fertilizer.
  • To determine the potential causes of illness, including the role of fly ash composition and its effect on rumen function.
  • To document the clinical signs, post-mortem findings, and production losses in affected herds.

Main Methods:

Related Experiment Videos

  • Case study analysis of two dairy herds (Friesian and Jersey breeds) exposed to fly ash fertilizer.
  • Monitoring of clinical signs, including weakness, diarrhea, and reduced fertility and milk production.
  • Veterinary post-mortem examinations to identify pathological changes such as emaciation and hepatic fibrosis.
  • In vitro experiments to assess the effect of fly ash on rumen fluid pH and fermentation.

    • Main Results:

    • High mortality rates (51 deaths in one herd over 7 months) and severe illness observed in both herds within 4-5 days of fly ash application.
    • Significant drops in fertility and milk fat production, alongside clinical signs of weakness and diarrhea.
    • Consistent autopsy findings of emaciation and hepatic fibrosis; heavy metal poisoning was ruled out.
    • In vitro tests showed fly ash drastically increased rumen fluid pH (>7.2), inhibiting fermentation.

    Conclusions:

    • The broadcast application of alkaline fly ash as fertilizer at approximately 1 tonne/hectare poses a significant health risk to dairy cattle.
    • The observed pathology is likely linked to the extreme alkalinity of the fly ash, disrupting rumen function and leading to metabolic disturbances.
    • Further research is needed to understand the long-term effects and to establish safe application guidelines for fly ash in agriculture.