Animal HusbandryAgrowon
Different causes of poisoning in animals and measures to counteract them.
Poisoning can leave behind serious aftermath on the body of the animal which could turn fatal. Principally, high levels of cyanide poisoning, Oxalic acid poisoning and poisoning due to cotton seed oil cakes, are seen in large numbers. To avoid poisoning, the livestock breeder must possess enough knowledge about causes of poisoning in animals as well as the remedial measures to be undertaken to prevent poisoning.
Different causes of poisoning and their remedial solutions.
1. Cyanide poisoning
Reasons
Hydrocyanic acid a known poisonous acid in high contents is seen in hybrid sorghum [jowar] or fresh cuttings of sorghum. Upon ingestion of this acid, the animals become restless and respiratory obstructions are seen leading to disorders.
Remedies:
• The animals should not be allowed to graze in the fields wherein fresh cuttings of sorghum have been done.
• Seek immediate help from a veterinarian for treatment of poison in the afflicted animal.
2. Oxalic acid poisoning
Reasons
• Ingestion of black fungi weeds by animals leads to calcium deficiency in blood. The animal’s stomach gets bloated and the animal stumbles while walking.
Remedies:
• Fungi inflicted weed or wheat and gram flour should not be fed to the animals.
• In order to reduce the incidence of poisoning, calcium injection should be given to the animals on consulting a veterinarian.
3. Cotton seed oil cake Poisoning
Reasons:
• Milch animals or bullocks are given cotton seed oil cakes. The poisonous content of Gossypoll is found to be more in the cotton seed oil cakes which are made out of ‘pest resistant and production enhancer’ treated cotton,.
• There is a possibility of long-term poisoning in animals if they are allowed to feed on Gossypol rich cotton seed oil cakes.
Remedies:
• Do not over feed animals with cotton seed oil cakes.
• Keep an interval of a week without feed, after feeding the animal consistently for a period of four weeks.
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Source – Agrowon