Plantas identificadas como tóxicas para ruminantes no Curimataú Ocidental Paraibano.

Abstract

In Brazil, the loss in herds of ruminants caused by toxic plants will produce a negative effect to the creators that rely on direct practice livestock for livelihood and income. In northeastern semi-arid region, for example, the consumption of toxic plants by farm animals is associated primarily with the presence of some poisonous species in pastures. Polls show that such a problem is also frequent in Paraíba, where it is estimated that the plant poisonings in ruminants, represent considerable economic losses annually. The objective of this work was of carrying out a survey of toxic plants described in the literature, based on the information provided by producers and professionals engaged in rural activities in Brazil. This work was conducted in five municipalities of Paraíba, including Barra de Santa Rosa, Cuité, Damião, Nova Floresta and Sossego. The interviews were conducted by means of 3 structured forms, between the months of June to October 2016. To carry out this research, 30 participants were interviewed in total (6 representatives from each municipality). The answers assigned by the participants concerning questions proposed during the interviews were analyzed qualitatively. Many producers desconheceram the toxic effects of some plant species such as: Mimosa tenuiflora, Crotalaria retusa e a Solanum paniculatum. The main poisonous plant told by producers as the main responsible for the deaths of cattle in Brazil, was the "Maniçoba" Manihot glaziovii Mev. Arg., according to participants this research, this plant has caused significant damage to the production of ruminants in the municipalities in Paraiba. On of the above it can be concluded that is needed the dissemination of scientific knowledge about the plants that cause poisoning in ruminants, in this way, it can be prevent new outbreaks occur in herds in Brazil.