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Hepatic encephalopathy in feedlot calves
Veterinary and Human Toxicology
|April 1, 1982
Summary
A mysterious toxin in moldy silage caused bovine hepatic encephalopathy in Kansas calves, leading to 150 deaths. The condition was successfully replicated in laboratory mice, confirming the silage as the source.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Toxicology
- Animal Pathology
Background:
- Bovine hepatic encephalopathy (BHE) is a serious condition affecting cattle.
- Moldy silage has been implicated as a potential source of toxins affecting livestock.
- A significant outbreak of BHE occurred in southwest Kansas, necessitating investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the cause of a bovine hepatic encephalopathy outbreak in Kansas.
- To investigate the role of moldy silage as a potential etiological agent.
- To experimentally confirm the suspected cause of the disease.
Main Methods:
- Clinical case investigation of a BHE outbreak in 548 calves.
- Identification and analysis of suspected hepatotoxins in moldy silage.
- Experimental reproduction of the syndrome in laboratory mice fed silage.
Main Results:
- 150 out of 548 calves died over a 30-day period due to BHE.
- An unidentified hepatotoxin was suspected in the moldy silage.
- The disease syndrome was successfully reproduced in mice, confirming the silage's role.
Conclusions:
- Moldy silage contaminated with an unidentified hepatotoxin was the cause of the BHE outbreak.
- Experimental reproduction in mice validates the etiological link between the silage and the disease.
- This study highlights the risk of mycotoxins in silage for cattle health.