A. Gossypol Poisoning

· Occurs Due To Consumption Of Cottonseed Or Cottonseed Products That Contain Excess Free Gossypol And Can Affect High-Producing Dairy Cows With High Feed Intake.

· Also Affect Other Mature Ruminants Fed Excess Gossypol For Long Periods Of Time.

Symptoms

· Irregular Cycling In Cows And Buffaloes, Reduced Libido In Males.

· Weight Loss, Weakness, Anorexia, And Susceptibility To Stress.

· Adult Dairy Cattle May Show Weakness, Depression, Anorexia, Edema Of The Brisket, And Dyspnea, And Also Have Gastroenteritis, Hemoglobinuria, And Reproductive Problems.

Control

· Remove Cottonseed Products From The Diet Immediately. Severely Affected Animals May Still Die Even 2 Weeks After Stopping Feeding Of Cottonseed Products.

· Poor Weight Gains In Affected Livestock And Increased Susceptibility To Stress May Persist For Several Weeks After Cottonseed Products Are Removed From The Diet.

· A High-Quality Diet Supplemented With Lysine, Methionine And Fat-Soluble Vitamins Should Be Included In Supportive Therapy.

· Consult A Veterinarian For Further Advise.

B. Cyanide Poisoning

· The Most Frequent Cause Of Cyanide Poisoning Is Ingestion Of Certain Plants. These Include Arrow Grass, Velvet Grass, Young Plants Of Sorghum Species, Tapioca Leaves Etc.

Symptoms

· Signs Occur Within 15-20 Minutes To A Few Hours After Animals Consume Toxic Forage.

· Excitement May Be Displayed Initially, Followed By Rapid & Difficult Respiration, Excess Salivation. Mucous Membranes Are Bright Red But May Become Cyanotic Later.

· Animals Stumble/Struggle And Collapse Within An Hour.

Prevention & Control

· Avoid Feeding Grasses That Cause Poisoning Until They Are 15-18 Inches Tall.

· Forage Sorghums Should Be Several Feet Tall Before Being Used As Fodder.

· Animals Should Be Turned Out To New Pasture Later In The Day Only.

· Grazing Should Be Monitored Closely During Periods Of Environmental Stress.

· Immediate Veterinary Help Must Be Sought If Cyanide Poisoning Is Suspected.

· Treatment Is Very Effective If Given On Time.

C. Organophosphorous (Op) Poisoning

· Pesticides Are Used On Both Plants And Animals To Control Crop Pests That And To Control Ticks On Cattle.

· A Majority Of Pesticides Are Organophosphorus (Op) Compounds Which Are Active Poisons.

Common Symptoms Of Op Poisoning In Cattle & Buffalo

· Severe Depression

· Hypersalivation

· Frequent Urination

· Diarrhoea, Colic, And Dyspnea

· Involuntary Muscle Contraction And Relaxation Which May Be Visible Under The Skin

· Nervousness, Ataxia, Apprehension, And Seizures

· Pupillary Constriction

Prevention And Control

· Animal Should Be Fed Adequate Water Before Applying Liquid/Spray On The Animal Body To Kill Ticks.

· The Fodder Sprayed With Insecticides Should Be Properly Washed With Water Before Feeding It To The Animal.

· Apply The Pesticide As Directed On The Label At The Recommended Dose And Time.

· Do Not Treat Sick, Emaciated Or Convalescent Animals, Or Animals Under Severe Stress With Pesticides For Removing External Parasites.

· Generally, Animals Less Than 3 Months Of Age Should Not Be Treated For External Parasites With Pesticides.

· Keep Animals Away From Pesticide Containers (New Or Used) Or Pesticide-Contaminated Feed.

· Check The Label For Restrictions Regarding Application In Conjunction With Other Pesticides Or Animal Health Products.

· Contact A Veterinarian Immediately On Observing The Symptoms For Timely Treatment Which Could Save The Animal.