A zinc-containing intraruminal device for prevention of the sporidesmin-induced cholangiopathy of facial eczema in calves

Authors: Munday R, Stirnemann M, Towers NR, McDonald RM, Smith BL, Thompson AM, O'Donnell K
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 49, Issue 1, pp 29-33, Feb 2001
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Cattle, Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant
Subject Terms: Inflammation, Integument/skin/wool/hair/fur/feather, Disease/defect, Mycotoxicosis, Liver/hepatic disease, Fungal/yeast, Photosensitivity, Toxicology, Treatment/therapy, Trace elements, Minerals/elememts
Article class: Scientific Article

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Abstract: AIM:  To develop and evaluate a zinc-containing intraruminal controlled-release bolus for protection of calves (175 - 250 kg bodyweight) against facial eczema (FE).
METHODS:  Boluses releasing zinc, in the form of zinc oxide, at rates ranging from 1.67 to 4.25 g/day were administered to calves which were challenged 4 weeks later with the FE toxin, sporidesmin. The efficacy of the boluses in protecting against sporidesmin-induced cholangiopathy was determined by measuring serum activities of gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT).
RESULTS:  A bolus releasing zinc at approximately 4.25 g/day gave excellent protection against sporidesmin toxicity for periods of up to 5 weeks duration.
CONCLUSIONS: This zinc-containing intraruminal controlled-release bolus has the potential to markedly reduce the incidence and severity of FE in calves within a 175 - 250 kg bodyweight range.
KEY WORDS: facial eczema, calves, sporidesmin, zinc prophylaxis.

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