KALE

Brassica olearaceae (cole, chou moellier). A member of the plant family CRUCIFERAE.

Animals most affected
Cattle, (sheep, goats).

Etiology
Ingestion as fodder, especially if consumed in large quantities and for prolonged periods of time.

Toxicity
Contains:

sulphur-based heterosides: sinigroside, glucobrassicine, progoitrine, which when hydrolysed yield thiocyanates, goitrine (antithyroid agent) and oxazolidone (anti-growth agent in poultry) at levels of 0.6-3mg/kg DM;

an anaemia-inducing agent: S-methylcysteine-sulfoxide, 5-13 g/kg DM (principally in the flowers).

Toxicity is greatest in winter (i.e. when cabbages may be frozen) and in spring.

nitrates, totalling 1-2% DM.

Large quantities need to be ingested for toxicity to become apparent.
Oral toxic doses not well established:

cattle

2-50 kg/day for 10-20 days

Clinical features
Acute poisoning (ingestion of the flowers)

anorexia, ruminal atony, flatulence;
dry cough, respiratory difficulties, nasal discharge;
severe congestion of the ocular mucosae;
complete recovery or death within several days.

Macrocytic haemolytic anaemia

apathy, wasting;
mild hyperthermia;
severe anaemia, haemoglobinuria, constipation or diarrhoea, respiratory difficulties;
death if consumption of the kale is allowed to continue.

Other effects
(Antithyroid):

in juveniles: possible growth inhibition;
in the adult: affects reproduction, with lowered fecundity and an increase in stillbirths.

Lesions
Non-specific.

When poisoning is due to consumption of flowers

intestinal congestion.

If haemolytic anaemia becomes established

renal congestion, hepatic necrosis.

Treatment
No antidote. Prevent further ingestion of the brassica and treat animal symptomatically.

In cases of acute poisoning

cardiorespiratory stimulants.

In cases of anaemia

administer iron, copper, phosphorus and trace elements.

Recommendations

do not give the fodder to young animals;
avoid continuous or regular consumption of the fodder.