Changes in andrological and liver enzyme values in Nellore bulls with clinical signs of natural Urochloa poisoning spp

• DOI: 10.22533/at.ed.973342312044

• Palavras-chave: Andrology. Toxic plants. Serum biochemistry.

• Keywords: Andrology. Toxic plants. Serum biochemistry.

• Abstract:

  Alterations in andrological values and liver enzymes in Nellore bulls with clinical signs of natural poisoning by Urochloa spp.] Intoxication of cattle by species of Urochloa spp are frequently reported in the literature. However, intoxications in adult animals are rare. Thus, the present work deals with the case of poisoning by two species of Urochloa (brachiaria), in 2 Nellore bulls, 30 months old, weighing approximately 407.8±38.2 kg, managed in an extensive grazing system, in the municipality of Porto Real - RJ. In the clinical examinations, the presence of signs of intoxication was verified: tachypnea, pale mucous membranes, amber urine and in jets, semi-pasty stools, pink ejaculates, lesions on the skin and preputial mucosa, and weight loss. In the andrological exams it was observed in the seminal characteristics, reduction of sperm concentration (187 and 224.4x10 ⁷ /mL), motility (15 and 10%), vigor (1 and 2) and increase of major defects (5.5 and 4.5%), total defects (29.5 and 28.8%) and AST (71.2 and 82.7 U/L) and ALT (43.7 and 53.1 U/L) enzymatic profile values. After removing the animals from the paddocks with the presence of the Urochloa, the affected animals showed good recovery. Clinical and andrological examinations associated with laboratory tests were essential for the diagnosis of poisoning in bovine breeders kept in pastures with these grasses. In regions with soils with a lot of organic matter and moisture, intercropping Urochloa with other tropical forages in the daily diet is suggested to prevent cattle poisoning.