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Omasal and abomasal impaction in beef suckler cows
1Hampden Veterinary Hospital, Aylesbury.
The Veterinary Record
|December 10, 1997
Summary
A diet of only pea haulm caused severe digestive impaction in late gestation cows, leading to illness and death. Changing the cows' diet resolved the issue, preventing further cases.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Nutrition
- Ruminant Physiology
Background:
- Suckler cows in late gestation require specific nutritional support.
- Sudden dietary changes or exclusive feeding of certain forages can pose risks to ruminant health.
Observation:
- Four cows housed in straw yards exhibited varied clinical signs after three weeks on a sole pea haulm diet.
- Two cows died, one required euthanasia, and one recovered spontaneously.
Findings:
- Postmortem examinations identified severe omasal and abomasal impaction in affected cows.
- The clinical signs and pathological findings were directly linked to the exclusive pea haulm diet.
Implications:
- Exclusive feeding of pea haulm can lead to fatal gastrointestinal impaction in cattle.
- Careful dietary management and avoiding sole forage sources are crucial for preventing such conditions in livestock.
- This case highlights the importance of balanced nutrition in late-gestation ruminants.