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Pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus) toxicosis in cattle
1University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Knoxville 37901-1071, USA.
Veterinary and Human Toxicology
|July 31, 1998
Summary
Pigweed toxicosis caused four dry cows to become recumbent in East Tennessee. Factors like new pasture introduction and poor forage quality contributed to this cattle poisoning incident.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Toxicology
- Ruminant Health
Background:
- Dry cows introduced to a new pasture experienced sudden recumbency.
- Clinical signs included neurological and metabolic disturbances.
Observation:
- Four of 15 cows exhibited depression, tremors, increased vital signs, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, hyperkalemia, azotemia, and elevated creatinine phosphokinase.
- Postmortem and pasture analysis confirmed Amaranthus retroflexus (pigweed) toxicosis.
Findings:
- Pigweed toxicosis was confirmed in four dry cows, with one fatality.
- Differential diagnoses including hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, rabies, and other toxicoses were ruled out.
Implications:
- Newly introduced cattle may be susceptible to novel pasture toxins.
- Rumen microflora adaptation and forage availability are critical factors in preventing plant-induced toxicosis.
- Management strategies should consider potential plant toxicity in new pastures, especially during periods of drought.