Brassicaceae

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Botha, C.J. (Christoffel Jacobus)
Venter, Elna

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Abstract

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.

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Colour photos. Final web-ready size: JPEG, 72 ppi. Photo 1: 9.7 kb; Photo 2: 14.8 kb; Photo 3: 15.7 kb; Photo 4: 15.1 kb; Photo 5: 11.5 kb; Photo 6: 10.2 kb; Photo 7: 8.71 kb; Photo 8: 10.2 kb; Photo 9: 10.7 kb. Original TIFF file housed at the Dept. of Paraclinical Sciences, Section Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Pretoria.

Keywords

Plant poisoning, Toxicology, Plant poisoning in animals, Poisonous plants, Heinz body, Anaemia, Haemoglobinaemia, Haemoglobinuria

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Citation

Botha, CJ & Venter, E 2002, 'Plants poisonous to livestock Southern Africa (CD-ROM)' University of Pretoria, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Dept. of Paraclinical Sciences, Section Pharmacology and Toxicology, Pretoria, South Africa.