A Study on Toxicological Examination and Management of Nitrate Poisoning in Cattle

Abstract

This study was conducted to diagnose the poisoning cases of two affected Holstein Friesian cows along with their clinical management at Zarif Dairy Farm, Hathazari, Chattogram. The cows were reported to consume German grass from grassland that was flooded by a nearby fertilizer company’s wastewater. Based on clinical signs, toxicological data, and diphenylamine test of the supplied forage determined that the poisoning cases were “Nitrate Poisoning”. Proper treatment protocol was used with 1% methylene blue (at dose rate of 20mg/kg body weight) and Ascorbic Acid (15mg/kg body weight) to decrease the methemoglobinemia level in blood. Feeding the grass was restricted, and liver tonic was also suggested to give orally for one week. After three days of treatment, the animals were recovered. Nitrate toxicity is a vital problem that may cause significant loss in livestock production. Caution must be taken while supplying forage to avoid accidental consumption of nitrate enriched grasses.