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Oak leaf (Quercus pyrenaica) poisoning in cattle
Valentín Pérez1, Raquel R Doce, Carlos García-Pariente
1Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña, Universidad de León - CSIC, 24346 Grulleros, León, Spain. vperp@unileon.es
Research in Veterinary Science
|February 11, 2011
Summary
Young oak leaves (OL) can cause poisoning in cattle, but only when preceded by severe feed restriction. This condition, known as OL toxicosis, is critical for cattle health and requires careful management.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Toxicology
- Ruminant Pathology
- Animal Nutrition
Background:
- Young oak leaves (OL) are a potential source of toxicosis in cattle.
- Previous studies have indicated potential toxicity, but the specific contributing factors remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical and pathological findings of cattle poisoning from young oak leaves (OL).
- To identify the primary factors contributing to oak leaf toxicosis in cattle.
Main Methods:
- Three experiments involving cattle fed varying amounts of young OL and subjected to different feed restriction periods.
- Clinical observations, serum biochemistry (creatinine, BUN), urinalysis, and post-mortem examinations were performed.
Main Results:
- Ingestion of young OL alone did not cause significant toxicity, except for mild proteinuria.
- Severe feed restriction followed by young OL ingestion induced renal failure, characterized by elevated creatinine and BUN, gastrointestinal ulcers, and kidney tubular necrosis.
- The development of oak leaf toxicosis was critically dependent on a preceding period of severe feed restriction.
Conclusions:
- Feed restriction is a critical factor in the development of oak leaf toxicosis in cattle.
- The study highlights the importance of managing feed availability to prevent oak leaf poisoning in cattle.
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