Experimental poisoning in cattle bry the “ maniçoba” tree ( Manihot glaziovii Muell. Arg.)

Abstract

Experiments were performed in the Município de Campo Maior, State of Piauí, in which 125, 250 and 500 g of fresh shoots of the "maniçoba" tree (Manihot glaziovii Muell. Arg.) were given by oral administration' to bovines weighing about 100 kg each. These shoots gave a strong positive reaction in tests for prussic acid. The animal which received the smallest amount of the shoots, did not show any symptoms, but the other two bovines died by acute poisoning. In the area there occur mortalities of cattle after the first rains at the beginning of the wet season, october/december, which are said to be due to ingestion of "wilted leaves" of the "maniçoba" tree. Frequently there is a dry period after the first rains which lasts days or weeks, during which most of the vegetation wilts. The authors conclude, based on the history of the disease, on their own observations and experiments, that the shoots of M. glaziovii are indeed responsible in this area for these mortalities among cattle.