Ammonia intoxication in dairy and beef cattle caused by the ingestion of dietary urea: basic concepts and new findings

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Sandra Satiko Kitamura
Eurico Lippi Ortolani
Alexandre Coutinho Antonelli

Abstract

Dietary urea is a usual supplement for cattle raised under extensive management. Ingestion of high amounts of urea can cause ammonia poisoning. The clinical picture is characterized by nervous, pulmonary and digestive signs and frequently results in death. New findings have shown the important role of the kidneys as to excreting ammonia into the urine, supporting the idea of using IV fluid therapy and diuretics for the successful poisoning treatment. Several dietary measures must be followed to prevent the risks associated with poisoning.

Article Details

How to Cite
KITAMURA, S. S.; ORTOLANI, E. L.; ANTONELLI, A. C. Ammonia intoxication in dairy and beef cattle caused by the ingestion of dietary urea: basic concepts and new findings. Revista de Educação Continuada em Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, v. 5, n. 3, p. 293-299, 1 Dec. 2002.
Section
LARGE ANIMALS CLINIC AND SURGERY