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Molybdenum poisoning in feedlot cattle
D A Swan1, J H Creeper, C L White
1Swan's Veterinary Services, Esperance, Western Australia.
Australian Veterinary Journal
|June 19, 1998
Summary
Accidental feeding of 1.9% sodium molybdate caused fatal molybdenum poisoning in feedlot cattle, leading to severe liver and kidney damage. This highlights the critical need for accurate feed formulation to prevent livestock losses.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Toxicology
- Animal Nutrition
- Pathology
Background:
- Molybdenum is an essential trace element, but excessive levels can be toxic.
- Feedlot cattle diets require precise mineral content for optimal health and productivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document a case of acute, fatal molybdenum poisoning in feedlot cattle.
- To identify the toxic effects of excessive sodium molybdate in cattle feed.
Main Methods:
- A herd of 831 steers was accidentally fed a diet containing 1.9% sodium molybdate.
- Clinical signs, mortality rates, and pathological findings were recorded.
- Plasma molybdenum levels were monitored in surviving animals.
Main Results:
- Cattle exhibited appetite loss within 3 days, with deaths beginning within 6 days.
- Ninety out of 831 steers died, and 5 remained in poor condition.
- Necropsy revealed periacinar to massive hepatic necrosis and acute renal tubular necrosis.
Conclusions:
- Feeding sodium molybdate at 1.9% of the diet is acutely toxic to cattle.
- This level of molybdenum causes severe liver and kidney damage, resulting in high mortality.