Toxicological Examination of Nitrate Poisoning in Bangladeshi Indigenous Cattle

Abstract

In this study, seven indigenous cattle were affected by acute nitrate toxicity by consuming weeds from garlic plants. The clinical signs were ruminal tympany, dyspnea, painful breathing, frequent urination, incoordination and mucous membrane discoloration. Among seven cattle, three were in last trimester of pregnancy, two were in first and second trimester of pregnancy and others were non-pregnant. In the last trimester of pregnancy, nitrate intoxication severely affected pregnant cattle and death occurred immediately after painful breathing. Other cattle were affected but overcome the nitrate intoxication by giving primary treatment. The main purpose of this study was to diagnose the poisoning cases of the affected cattle which were all Bangladeshi indigenous breed reared by household farmers. The cows were reported to consume weeds grown near the garlic plants treated with nitrogenous fertilizer and manure. Based on the clinical signs, toxicological data and diphenylamine test of the collected weeds, there were finally determined as Nitrate Poisoning cases. Feeding the weeds strongly prohibited and to suggested fluid therapy for 3 days and liver tonic for 7 days. After 3 to 4 days of treatment, the rest of the cattle were recovered.