A volatolomic approach using cerumen as biofluid to diagnose bovine intoxication by Stryphnodendron rotundifolium.

An innovative volatolomic approach employs the detection of biomarkers present in cerumen (earwax) to identify cattle intoxication by Stryphnodendron rotundifolium Mart., Fabaceae (popularly known as barbatimão). S. rotundifolium is a poisonous plant with the toxic compound undefined and widely distributed throughout the Brazilian territory. Cerumen samples from cattle of two local Brazilian breeds ('Curraleiro Pé-Duro' and 'Pantaneiro') were collected during an experimental intoxication protocol and analyzed using headspace (HS)/GC-MS followed by multivariate analysis (genetic algorithm for a partial least squares, cluster analysis, and classification and regression trees). A total of 106 volatile organic metabolites were identified in the cerumen samples of bovines. The intoxication by S. rotundifolium influenced the cerumen volatolomic profile of the bovines throughout the intoxication protocol. In this way, it was possible to detect biomarkers for cattle intoxication. Among the biomarkers, 2-octyldecanol and 9-tetradecen-1-ol were able to discriminate all samples between intoxicated and nonintoxicated bovines. The cattle intoxication diagnosis by S. rotundifolium was accomplished by applying the cerumen analysis using HS/GC-MS, in an easy, accurate, and noninvasive way. Thus, the proposed bioanalytical chromatography protocol is a useful tool in veterinary applications to determine this kind of intoxication.

Evaluation of the resistance of Nellore, Curraleiro Pe-duro and Pantaneiro cattle breeds by experimental intoxication of Palicourea marcgravii.

Palicourea marcgravii is the most important toxic plant in Brazil due to its acute toxicity (sudden death), palatability, cumulative effect and broad geographical distribution. The study aimed to evaluate the resistance between cattle of different breeds by experimental intoxication of Palicourea marcgravii. Eighteen males were randomly divided into three groups (Nellore, Curraleiro Pe-Duro and Pantaneiro), six animals in each group. All animals were experimentally intoxicated with P. marcgravii at 0.5 mg/kg of equivalent sodium monofluoracetate acid, receiving one single oral dose. All cattle presented symptoms and the toxic plant caused death in all cattle of the Nellore and Pantaneiro breeds and only three Curraleiro cattle. No changes were observed in the leukogram, fibrinogen, albumin, total protein and bilirubins. Hyperglycemia and increased of aspartate transaminase, creatinine kinase, urea and creatinine were detected in all breeds. Changes in the values of the gamma glutamyl transferase were individualized and did not follow a standard response. Fourteen cattle presented the histopathological findings of renal hydropic degeneration. The lower death rate of Curraleiro cattle indicates a higher resistance than cattle of the Nellore and Pantaneiro breeds.