High Plains/Midwest AG Journal

Recent cattle problems linked to by-product feeds

Missouri

An area cattle herd recently had three yearlings go down in a short period of time.

The veterinarian’s diagnosis was polioencepholomalacia or PEM. The condition is also referred to as brainers. PEM is a noninfectious neurological disease that is related to thiamine deficiency.

“The cause of the deficiency is not always clear, but does seem related to abrupt ration changes. High sulfur levels in the feed and water are also implicated,” said Eldon Cole, livestock specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

The symptoms are many and varied. They may include restlessness, diarrhea, muscular twitching, hard breathing, blindness or star gazing and circling. Death may occur if not treated promptly….([1] Full Story)
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See also: [2] Breakthrough in ‘miniature’ cattle case; [3] Tests prove sulphur feed poisoning, and [4] Sulfur in Beef Cattle Mineral Nutrition