Cattle are valuable assets for farmers, providing meat, milk, leather, and other products. However, sometimes cattle may die suddenly and unexpectedly, leaving farmers with losses and questions. What are the possible causes of sudden death in cattle? How can farmers prevent or treat these conditions? In this article, we will explore some of the common and uncommon reasons why cattle may die suddenly, and what farmers can do to protect their herds.
Contents
Anaplasmosis: A Parasitic Infection
One of the possible causes of sudden death in cattle is anaplasmosis, a disease caused by a parasite that attacks the red blood cells of cattle. The parasite is transmitted by ticks, biting flies, or contaminated needles. Infected cattle will become anemic, feverish, and weak. They may also have jaundice, weight loss, abortion, or nervous signs. If not treated, anaplasmosis can lead to death, especially in adult cattle. According to Lonsdale Livestock, the most important symptom to notice is tiredness. If farmers see that their cattle are getting tired quickly, they should check their mucous membranes (gums or vulva) to see if they are pale. Farmers should also test the blood of any cow that is found down but still alive, and consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible. Anaplasmosis can be treated with antibiotics, blood transfusions, or vaccines, depending on the severity of the infection and the availability of resources.
Bloat: A Digestive Disorder
Another potential cause of sudden death in cattle is bloat, a condition where the rumen (the first stomach of cattle) becomes overdistended with gas. This can happen when cattle eat too much of certain types of feed, such as legumes, grains, or lush pastures, that produce a lot of gas during fermentation. Bloat can also occur when cattle have difficulty eructating (belching) due to physical obstruction, nerve damage, or stress. Bloat can cause severe pain, difficulty breathing, and circulatory collapse, resulting in death within minutes or hours. According to Merck Veterinary Manual, bloat can be a major cause of sudden death in feedlot cattle, and control measures focused on the administration of antifoaming agents need to be implemented when cattle are grazing bloat-prone pastures. Farmers should also monitor their cattle closely for signs of bloat, such as distended left flank, restlessness, drooling, or groaning, and seek veterinary assistance immediately. Bloat can be relieved by passing a stomach tube, puncturing the rumen with a trocar, or performing surgery.
Blue-Green Algae Toxicity: A Waterborne Hazard
A third possible cause of sudden death in cattle is blue-green algae toxicity, a condition where cattle ingest water contaminated with cyanobacteria, a type of algae that produces toxins. Cyanobacteria can grow rapidly in stagnant or low-flowing water sources, especially during hot and dry weather. Some of the toxins produced by cyanobacteria can affect the liver, the nervous system, or the blood, causing acute or chronic poisoning. Affected cattle may show signs of weakness, staggering, convulsions, diarrhea, or bleeding, or they may be found dead near the water source. According to Farm Progress, farmers should get other animals away from the water source and have the carcasses necropsied as soon as possible if they find dead livestock or wildlife near water. Cyanobacteria can also be deadly to humans and pets, so suspect water should be avoided by all. Farmers can also test the water for microscopic algae and toxins, and treat the water with chemicals, aeration, or filtration.
Perilla Mint: A Poisonous Plant
A fourth potential cause of sudden death in cattle is perilla mint, a plant that contains a toxic substance called perilla ketone, which damages the lungs of cattle. Perilla mint is a weed that grows in pastures, fields, and roadsides, and has purple or white flowers and a minty smell. Cattle may eat perilla mint when there is not enough other forage available, or when they are curious or bored. Perilla mint can cause a severe respiratory attack that may resemble asthma or choking. Cattle will have difficulty breathing and may get panicky. Their mucous membranes may turn blue because they cannot get enough oxygen. According to Lonsdale Livestock, farmers should spray perilla mint in their pastures and keep cattle off until it is dead and withered. Farmers should also look for perilla mint in their hay and silage, and avoid feeding it to cattle. Treatment for perilla mint poisoning involves anti-inflammatories and steroids to open airways, but severely affected cattle often die.
Nitrates: A Chemical Overdose
A fifth potential cause of sudden death in cattle is nitrates, a chemical compound that can accumulate in certain plants, such as corn, sorghum, oats, or weeds, and cause toxicity in cattle. Nitrates can accumulate in plants when they are stressed by drought, frost, herbicide, or fertilizer. When cattle eat these plants, the nitrates are converted to nitrites in the rumen, which then enter the bloodstream and interfere with the ability of the blood to carry oxygen. Cattle with nitrate poisoning may show signs of weakness, rapid breathing, muscle tremors, or collapse. They may also have brown or chocolate-colored blood. According to VetSouth, most animals succumb to nitrates before they can be treated, but intravenous methylene blue or fish tank treatment may help. Farmers should test their forages for nitrates before feeding them to cattle, and avoid feeding high-nitrate forages to pregnant or lactating cows. Farmers should also provide adequate water and mineral supplements to cattle to prevent nitrate toxicity.
Conclusion
These are some of the common and uncommon causes of sudden death in cattle, but there are many others, such as clostridial diseases, toxic plants, lead poisoning, pneumonia, intestinal twists, or accidents. Farmers should always investigate the cause of sudden death in cattle, and consult with a veterinarian if they are unsure or need advice. Farmers should also implement preventive measures, such as vaccination, deworming, nutrition, hygiene, and biosecurity, to protect their herds from diseases and hazards. By being aware and proactive, farmers can reduce the risk of sudden death in cattle, and improve the health and productivity of their livestock.
