Blood serum-biochemical, hematological and clinical studies on gossypol toxicity in fattening friesian calves fed on whole cottonseed

ABSTRACT

Gossypol toxicity was diagnosed in eighteen fattening friesian calves, of six months old, fed for three weeks on concentrated diet contained 20% ground cottonseed. Clinically, calves showed anorexia, intermittent diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Later on cough, polypnea, signs of dyspnea and hemoglobinuria were observed in four calves. These calves were emergency slaughtered. Serous fluid in thoracic and abdominal cavities and congestion of parenchymatous organs were inspected. Significant decrease in erythrocytes, hemoglobin and hematocrit values was obtained during hematological examination. Leukocytosis with neutrophilia, lymphopenia and monocytosis was also significant. Serum biochemical studies revealed significant decrease in total protein and albumin and significant increase in AST and ALT activities, creatinine and BUN values. All recorded clinical signs disappeared and serum biochemical and hematological parameters were significantly improved after the change of diet to low concentrate one