STUDY ON NITRATE POISONING OF CATTLE AT GAIBANDHA, BANGLADESH.

Abstract

The study was carried out at Upazilla Veterinary Hospital, Shaghatta of Gaibandha to find out the causes of sudden death of two cows from local dairy farm. Three cattle with case history of labored breathing, tympani, oozing of partially clotted chocolate colored blood on anal opening, convulsion and loss of appetite were reported by the farm owner. Following physical examination all the animals were found to be clinically normal and did not reveal any signs or symtoms on previous day. However the owner indicated that the animals were fed with recently grown green grass named Ban tulsi (Croton bonplandianus). To explore the causes of death clinical history, relevant clinical signs were recorded. Blood sample from the animals and the grass with flowers were collected for laboratory diagnosis. Finally the assumption was the case was Nitrate poisoning of cattle as confirmed by toxicological and chemical analysis of sampled grass and blood. The study recommends not to offer contaminated grass to the animals as it is toxic and if toxicity occurs, then animals should be treated with specific recommended drugs at earliest possible time.