Carne

Abstract

Tannin poisoning is a problem that occurs mainly in beef cattle grazing in farms, especially in Alentejo (south of Portugal). This region is rich in trees of the genus Quercus : Sobreiro ( Quercus suber ) and Azinheira ( Quercus ilex ). It is of most importance a new analysis and approach to this problem, based in the specificities of portuguese flora, weather and bovine species. This work is based on a bovine population on a farm in Alcácer do Sal that raises beef cattle. This farm has a bovine population of almost 800 animals. In November of 2014 the owners noticed an increased in the number of sudden deaths and decided to contact the School of Veterinary Medicine, in Lisbon, to make a diagnosis of this problem. The team of the Vet School visited the farm several times and until the date of publication of this report, besides other activities, eight necropsies were performed. All the animals observed presented very pronounced submandibular and brisket edemas and weight loss. At necropsy, the major findings were submandibular edemas, fluid in the abdominal cavity and a very marked renal atrophy. Since similar cases suspicious A most accurate and deep analysis problem allowed the team to confirm their initial suspicion – tannin poisoning. we tannin chronic disease has no effective or antidote. Prevention is the best way to minimize the cattle losses.