Plant Poisoning of Cattle by Ageratum spp.

Abstract

Three Japanese Black breeding cows presented with anorexia, ananastasia, and hemostatic abnormalities, and subsequently died in the Amami Archipelago, Kagoshima, Japan. Serum biochemical analyses of the deceased cows and cohabiting cows pointed to severe liver dysfunction. In addition, Ageratum spp. was found in abundance in their most recent feed. Moreover, lycopsamine, a pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PAs), was detected in feed residues, grass field plants and the feces of the deceased cows. In light of these results and the possibility of nitrate poisoning having been eliminated, we concluded that the cases of mortality at hand can be attributed to plant poisoning caused by Ageratum spp. The hepatotoxicity of PAs and blood coagulation inhibition due to coumarin in Ageratum spp. was considered to be involved in the pathology. PAs were also detected in all 19 samples of Ageratum spp. collected in the Amami Archipelago and Okinawa, Japan. Overall, publicizing this incident and using it to shape future grassland management in an agricultural context will be of the utmost importance.