Acorn poisoning in cattle

Abstract

The poisoning symptoms observed (in 6 calves and one cow) included anorexia, diarrhoea, bradycardia, sluggishness, emaciation, reduction in skin turgidity, crusty ocular secretion and slimy nasal discharge. Body temperature was normal. There was glycosuria, hypocalcaemia, dehydration and liquefaction of the rumen contents. In spite of intensive treatment only one of the 6 calves survived; the cow had to be destroyed earlier. The cause was traced to excessive acorn (Quercus robur s. pedunculata) consumption.