Is polioencephalomalacia associated with high-sulfate diets?
Raisbeck, M.F.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 180(11): 1303-1305
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 7096170 Document Number: 190584
During 1979 and 1980, rations containing high concentrations of gypsum or other sulphate salts were noticed to be a common feature of several episodes of cerebrocortical necrosis (polioencephalomalacia). A retrospective study of 72 herds represented by all 6- to 8-month-old cattle examined post mortem between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31, 1980, was undertaken. Information about diet and husbandry was collected for each herd by interviews with the owner. Cerebrocortical necrosis occurred in 18 of 21 herds fed high-sulphate (>2% sulphate) rations, but in only 1 of 51 herds not fed such rations. This demonstrates a statistically significant and possible causal relationship between the disease in cattle and high sulphate rations.