Pathological and toxicological investigations of chronic nitrate poisoning in cattle

Abstract

In this study, three stillborn and five premature and blind calves from cows suffering from chronic nitrate poisoning were examined pathologically. The live calves were euthanized, due to a poor prognosis. Complete necropsy was performed on all the eight affected calves. Hydroperitoneum and ascites were the most predominant lesions in the stillborn calves. Edema and hemorrhage were observed in the lungs of all the calves. Hemorrhages were seen in the digestive systems of four calves. Blood samples were taken from five live calves and their mothers, and from two cows that had delivered stillborn or blind calves, for biochemical observations and measurement of methemoglobin levels. Blood values of five healthy cattle from a herd with no history of stillborn or blind calves were used as controls. Water and feed samples were taken from five different farms with a history of stillborn or blind calves and examined for nitrates. Nitrate and nitrite levels of feeds ranged from 154 to 480 and 1.5 to 20 ppm respectively; these levels can cause chronic poisoning. Levels of nitrates and nitrites in blood samples from cows and calves were found to be high. While hemoglobin values were found to be low, methemoglobin values were very high. No differences were observed between liver enzyme levels of the affected and control cattle. There were no bacteria or virus isolated from these animals, and histopathological examination revealed no indication of any other diseases.