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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Logan, Utah » Poisonous Plant Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #396070
Research Project: Understanding and Mitigating the Adverse Effects of Poisonous Plants on Livestock Production Systems

Location: Poisonous Plant Research

Title: Outbreaks of Brachiaria ruziziensis and Brachiaria brizantha intoxications in Brazilian experienced cattle

Author
item KONO, ISABELLI - State University Of Londrina
item FACCIN, TATIANE - State University Of Londrina
item DE LEMOS, GISELE A. - State University Of Londrina
item DI SANTIS, GIOVANA - State University Of Londrina
item BACHA, FLAVIA - Federal University Of Big Dourados (UFGD)
item GUERREIRO, YASMIN - University Center Of Grande Dourados (UNIGRAN)
item DE OLIVEIRA GASPAR, ALBERTO - Federal University Of Mato Grosso
item Lee, Stephen
item DE CASTRO GUIZELINI, CAROLINA - Federal University Of Mato Grosso
item LEAL, CASSIA - Federal University Of Mato Grosso
item DE LEMOS, RICARDO - Federal University Of Mato Grosso

Submitted to: Toxicon
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/21/2022
Publication Date: 9/24/2022
Citation: Kono, I.S., Faccin, T.C., de Lemos, G.A., Di Santis, G.W., Bacha, F.B., Guerreiro, Y.A., de Oliveira Gaspar, A., Lee, S.T., de Castro Guizelini, C., Leal, C.B., de Lemos, R.A.A. 2022. Outbreaks of Brachiaria ruziziensis and Brachiaria brizantha intoxications in Brazilian experienced cattle. Toxicon. 219. Article 106931. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.106931.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.106931

Interpretive Summary: Brachiaria species are some of the most used forage species for raising Brazilian cattle because of their great nutritional value and adaptability to the tropical climate. However, cases of animal poisoning have been described. Animal species, age, genetic resistance, and previous adaptation to the forage can influence the susceptibility to intoxication. Adult animals, cattle, and animals adapted to consumption (experienced animals) are considered more resistant. The main clinical presentation is that of hepatogenous photosensitization. Brachiaria brizantha and Brachiaria ruziziensis are considered less toxic. The aim of this study is to describe three outbreaks of intoxication by B. brizantha and B. ruziziensis in experienced cattle, as well as to compare the concentrations of protodioscin in pastures with and without the occurrence of cases. It was observed that the two forage species are toxic to all age groups of cattle adapted to their consumption, and the concentrations of protodioscin present in the plant cannot be used as the only criterion for determining the occurrence of intoxication.

Technical Abstract: Brachiaria species are some of the most used forage species for raising Brazilian cattle because of their great nutritional value and adaptability to the tropical climate. However, cases of animal poisoning have been described. Animal species, age, genetic resistance, and previous adaptation to the forage can influence the susceptibility to intoxication. Adult animals, cattle, and animals adapted to consumption (experienced animals) are considered more resistant. The main clinical presentation is that of hepatogenous photosensitization. Brachiaria brizantha and Brachiaria ruziziensis are considered less toxic. The aim of this study is to describe three outbreaks of intoxication by B. brizantha and B. ruziziensis in experienced cattle, as well as to compare the concentrations of protodioscin in pastures with and without the occurrence of cases. It was observed that the two forage species are toxic to all age groups of cattle adapted to their consumption, and the concentrations of protodioscin present in the plant cannot be used as the only criterion for determining the occurrence of intoxication.