Acacia nilotica

Abstract

DISTRIBUTION: Can grow under a variety of ecological conditions, though generally absent from shallow gravelly soils as well as wet watercourses. Botanical description: General: It is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree of up to 6m with dark grey bark and a compact rounded to flattened crown. Leaves: The leaves are bipinnately compound with small leaflets. The paired spines are straight to slightly recurved and usually pointing slightly backwards. Fruit: Flat pods with marked constrictions between seeds like a string of beads.Smells sweetly when crushed.

TOXIC PRINCIPLE: • Unknown. • Induces a methaemoglobinaemia, but do not contain NO3¯/NO2¯ or other oxidants. • Not cyanogenic glycosides either - problem associated with other Acacia spp.

SYSTEMS AFFECTED: Haemopoietic system.

CLINICAL SIGNS: Goats are often affected. Blood: • Methaemoglobinaemia and abortions • Tachycardia • Haemolysis – anaemia and icterus Respiratory system: • Hyperpnoea and dyspnoea Git: • Ruminal stasis. • Sweet scented odour (“putrid smell”) of the carcase. • Soft faeces or diarrhoea.

NECROPSY: Macroscopical findings:• Liver necrosis • Nephrosis DD’s:NO3¯/NO2¯ - poisoning.

TREATMENT: Possibly methylene blue. Control: prevent excessive consumption.