Moldy corn poisoning is a serious issue in cattle farming. When cows consume feed made from moldy corn, they may exhibit symptoms such as weakness, corneal opacity, yellowing of mucous membranes, diarrhea, weight loss, confusion, and even seizures leading to death. To prevent this, it's essential to store corn properly, keeping its moisture content below 12.5%. If the corn is slightly moldy, it can still be used after soaking it in a 10% quicklime solution. In case of poisoning, feeding should be stopped immediately, and treatment may include adding 400–600 grams of magnesium sulfate to water, along with intravenous injections of 500–1000 ml of glucose saline and 50 ml of 40% urotropine.
Sweet potato poisoning occurs when cows eat bad sweet potatoes that contain mycotoxins. Symptoms include weakness, reduced rumination, constipation, difficulty breathing, coma, paralysis, and eventually death. Prevention involves avoiding sweet potatoes affected by black spot. If poisoning occurs, stop feeding the contaminated feed immediately and administer remedies like 500 grams of raw mung beans mixed with honey, or a 0.1% to 0.2% potassium permanganate solution. For severe cases, intravenous administration of 500–1000 ml of 25% glucose, 10 ml of 10% sodium sulfate, and 250–500 ml of 5% sodium bicarbonate may be necessary.
Rotten cabbage poisoning is another concern. Cabbage and wild vegetables often contain nitrates, which can convert into nitrites when cooked or left to rot. This can lead to poisoning in cows. To prevent this, avoid feeding spoiled or rotten vegetables. Cooked vegetables should be consumed immediately and not left overnight. In case of poisoning, mild cases can be treated with egg whites or milk, while severe cases may require intravenous administration of 1–2% methylene blue solution, 5% glucose, and 10% sodium carbonate. Some traditional treatments also suggest mixing blue ink with water.
Distiller’s grains, commonly used as animal feed, can cause poisoning if fed in excess. They contain acetic acid and alcohol, leading to symptoms like excitement, skin rashes, constipation, abdominal pain, and even paralysis. Prevention includes controlling the amount of distiller’s grains—no more than 10% dry or 30% fresh. If the grains are slightly moldy, they should be soaked in 1% lime water before feeding. Treatment may involve administering 1% baking soda solution, soy milk, or 5% glucose intravenously, along with washing the affected areas with potassium permanganate solution.
Sprouted potatoes can also be dangerous for cows. They contain high levels of solanine, especially in the sprouts, stems, and leaves. Symptoms range from drooling and diarrhea to severe cases involving paralysis and convulsions. To prevent this, remove any sprouted, green, or rotten parts of the potato before feeding. It’s also advisable to cook the potatoes and mix them with other feeds. Pregnant cows should not be fed potatoes at all. In case of poisoning, gastric lavage with potassium permanganate solution, citrate solution, and glucose may be required.
By understanding these common feed-related diseases and their prevention and treatment methods, farmers can better protect their livestock and ensure the health and productivity of their herds. Always consult with a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment plans. (Source: Inner Mongolia Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Information Network)
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