DISTRIBUTION:
Not usually cultivated as animal feed. Japanese radishes & kale are produced as feed for livestock. When market prices are low or crops are damaged by hail, etc., it is sometimes fed to stock.
BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION:
Turnips, radishes, cabbages, cauliflowers, and Brussel sprouts (Brassicaceae) are all vegetables which are produced for human consumption. They do not grow naturally in the wild. The tubers of some are utilised, (turnips, radishes, etc.) , while the leaves and flowers and fruit of others are consumed (cabbages, cauliflowers, etc.). Weeds like wild radish and wild mustard do grow wild.
TOXIC PRINCIPLE:
Haemopoietic:
• The toxic principle of the Brassicaceae is dimethyl disulphide produced
from SMCO.
• Dimethyl disulphide reacts with the thiol group of GSH which is then not
available to prevent oxidative damage of the red blood cell.
• With oxidative damage the haemoglobin is denatured and the protein
precipitate as Heinz bodies.
• The affected erythrocytes are removed by the RE-system or intravascular
haemolysis ensues resulting in haemoglobinaemia and haemoglobinuria.
Urogenital:
Organic nitriles and glucosinolates are goitrogenic and teratogenic.
SYNDROMES:
Heinz body anemia.
SYSTEMS AFFECTED:
Haemopoietic and urogenital systems.
CLINICAL SIGNS:
Acute:
• Haemoglobinuria. Pale, anaemic mucous membranes
• Icterus (jaundice)
• Diarrhoea
• Ruminal stasis
Chronic:
• Subclinical anaemia.
• Ill-thrift.
• Poor milk production, poor growth, emaciation.
• Infertility.
NECROPSY:
Macroscopical findings: Icterus. Anemia – pale mucous membranes, watery blood. Haemoglobinuria and dark pigmented kidneys. Git irritation.
TREATMENT:
• Remove feed immediately
• Blood transfusion in valuable or stud animals.
PREVENTION:
• Brassica’s should be fed only in limited quantities
• Feed with other good quality hay, concentrate, etc.
• Can slowly increase the percentage of Brassica’s in the ration
• Avoid frost damaged plants - may have a higher concentration of the toxic principle.
