- Published:
Kale Anaemia in Ruminants
II. Observations on Kale-Fed Sheep
Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica volume 9, pages 141–150 (1968)
Summary
The haematological effects (Hb, RBC, PCV, Price-Jones curve, MGV, MGHG and Heinz body counts) of feeding lambs on marrow-stem kale were followed and the results evaluated statistically.
The lambs were taken directly from pasture and stabled for the experiment. The control group (10 lambs) were fed hay and crushed grain.
The kale-fed group (10 lambs) received 1.5 kg each per day (13 days), then 2.5 kg per day (18 days) and then free access (14 days) before being placed on the control ration.
A statistically significant drop in Hb levels and erythrocyte counts were noted about a week after the ad lib. feeding of kale was begun. This decline was long proceeded by a significant rise in Heinz body counts. Withdrawal of kale was followed by a macrocytic hyper-chromatic recovery pattern.
The abrupt change from grazing to stable feeding in itself was apparently associated with a drop in Hb levels, packed cell volumes and erythrocyte counts. Even the control sheep developed Heinz bodies in their erythrocytes although significantly fewer than the kale-fed animals.
References
Clegg, F. G. & R. K. Evans: Haemoglobinaemia of cattle associated with the feeding of Brassicae species. Vet. Ree. 1962, 74, 1169–1176.
Grant, C. A., P. Holtenius, G. Jönsson & C. B. Thorell: Kale anaemia in ruminants. I. Survey of the literature and experimental induction of kale anaemia in lactating cows. Acta vet. scand. 1968, 9, 126–140.
Paulson, S. & B. Åberg: Kliniskt-kemiska och hematologiska normal-värden. Svensk Vet.-Tidn. 1965, 17, 462–476.
Penny, R.H.C., J. E. David & A.I. Wright: Heinz-Ehrlich bodies associated with kale feeding. Vet. Ree. 1961, 73, 747–748.
Penny, R. H.C., J. E. David & A.I. Wright: Observations on the blood picture of cattle, sheep and rabbits fed on kale. Vet. Ree. 1964, 76, 1053–1059.
Rosenberger, G.: Anämi und Hämoglobinurie beim Rinde nach Markstammkohl Fütterung. Dtsch. tierärztl. Wschr. 1939, 47, 244–246.
Rosenberger, G.: Kohlanämie des Rindes. Dtsch. tierärztl. Wschr. 1943, 51, 63–67.
Rosenberger, G.: Kohlanämie und puerperale Hämoglobinurie des Rindes. Dtsch. tierärztl. Wschr. 1950, 57, 330–332.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Grant, C.A., Holtenius, P., Jönsson, G. et al. Kale Anaemia in Ruminants. Acta Vet Scand 9, 141–150 (1968). https://doi.org/10.1186/BF03547879
Received:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/BF03547879