Estudo da toxicidade da Prosopis juliflora na alimentação de bovinos no Semiárido Paraibano.

Abstract

Study of the toxicity of Prosopis juliflora in the feeding of cattle in the semiarid region of Paraíba. In Brazil since 1981 in semi-arid region have been reported cases of disease neurological symptoms, called the "pie guy"due to the lateral head of the animal to perform to keep food in the mouth during chewing, occurring mainly in periods of dry when the pods are eaten Prosopis juliflora spontaneously or offered as single food source. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether there are toxic reactions when given a diet containing 30% of dry mesquite pods for a period of 12 months in cattle feed. Were used in this study, two spots SRD cattle weighing 130 kg on average. The information needed for the study were obtained by clinical examination of central nervous system by testing the cranial nerves held monthly. After this period the animals were euthanized and necropsied to study macroscopic and histological alterations. Therefore, the absence of clinical signs and histopathology observed in this study, we conclude that when ingested in diets containing 30% of dry matter P.juliflora pods for up to one year, does not cause disease "pie guy" in cattle. And taking into account the monthly weight gain of 20 kg to 18 kg and a veal for veal 2, associated with its chemical comoposição, digestibility and energy values XX, besides being a food source for low cost and easy to obtain, we regarded as satisfying the inclusion of mesquite pods in the diet of cattle during long periods of drought could thus be a highly feasible approach to their use, especially for small producers in the semi-arid.