Case report

Phosphine gas detected in the rumen content of dead calves

Authors

  • Sandra Morgan Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078
  • Gene A. Niles Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078
  • W. C. Edwards Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol34no2p127-129

Keywords:

pesticides, phosphine, poisoning, rumen, rumen fluid

Abstract

158 calves were fed maize containing aluminium phosphatide tablets added to it the previous day. 24 h later, 4 calves were found dead and 15-20 were sick. The only significant finding at PM examination were lung lesions caused by previously diagnosed pneumonia. A strong odour resembling garlic or rotten fish was noted in the rumen of all dead calves. The owners indicated that they noticed the same odour when they fed the maize. Toxic phosphine gas was detected in the rumen content of dead calves.

Cover image of Volume 34, no.2 of the Bovine Practitioner: three photographs placed on top of an image of Mt. Rushmore at dawn. From top clockwise the photographs are of a herd of bison grazing on a field, a view of the badlands national park at sunrise, and the statue of Crazy Horse Monument with the view of the unfinished monument in the background

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Published

2000-05-01

Issue

Vol. 34, No. 2 (2000 May)

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Case report: Phosphine gas detected in the rumen content of dead calves. (2000). The Bovine Practitioner, 34(2), 127-129. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol34no2p127-129