Halogeton poisoning in range cattle

Area of Science:

• Veterinary toxicology
• Ruminant pathology
• Plant-induced animal diseases

Background:

• Halogeton glomeratus is a toxic plant containing oxalates.
• Cattle typically avoid unpalatable forage.
• Range cattle may ingest toxic plants during periods of food deprivation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document an outbreak of Halogeton glomeratus poisoning in range cattle.
• To identify clinical and pathological signs associated with this poisoning.
• To explore contributing factors to plant ingestion.

Main Methods:

• Observation of clinical signs in affected cattle.
• Post-mortem histopathological examination of renal tissues.
• Correlation of poisoning cases with environmental and nutritional factors.

Main Results:

• 16 out of 680 cattle exhibited signs of acute poisoning.
• Clinical signs included ataxia, recumbency, coma, and mortality.
• Renal tubules contained abundant calcium oxalate crystals.

Conclusions:

• Halogeton glomeratus can cause acute poisoning in cattle, characterized by renal crystal deposition.
• Food deprivation preceding grazing likely increased plant consumption.
• Management strategies should consider plant toxicity and animal nutritional status.