Acta Vet. Brno 2009, 78: 621-625

https://doi.org/10.2754/avb200978040621

Natural and Experimental Poisoning of Cattle by Enterolobium contortisiliquum Pods (Fabaceae Mimosoideae) in Central-Western Brazil

Fábio de Souza Mendonça1, Joaquim Evêncio-Neto1, Liriane Baratella-Evêncio2, Renata G. S. Dória3, Sílvio H. Freitas3, Lidianne F. Pelegrini3, Raquel A. S. Cruz4, Eduardo V. Ferreira4, Edson M. Colodel4

1Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Brazil
2Biological Science Center, Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil
3Faculty of Agrarian Science, University of Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
4Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Brazil

Received August 11, 2008
Accepted May 18, 2009

Enterolobium contortisiliquum pods are commonly identified as being the cause of abortions and photosensitivity in cattle. This paper describes the clinical and pathological aspects of a natural outbreak of hepatogenous photosensitization by the pods of E. contortisiliquum in Brazil and the results of experimental poisoning in three bovines. The history of natural poisoning was obtained at the site of the outbreak. Clinical examinations were carried out and hepatic enzymes were analyzed. A post-mortem examination was carried out at the outbreak location on a cow that had died. Several samples were collected from the animal's internal organs to carry out histopathological examinations. E. contortisiliquum pods were given to cows in order to reproduce the disease. The natural poisonings were characterized by photosensitization and aborted young. Enterolobium photosensitization was not experimentally reproduced, but the animals fell sick and recovered after 52 days.

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