Monensin is a substance in farm animals’ food that is making them sick. Notably, monensin is a toxic material that is obtained through feeding of various livestock especially cows and horses whereas the condition leads to severe suffering (Al Jassim et al. 135). For instance, in North America, the antibiotic feed additives such as monensin and tylosin are being added to the feedlot cattle’s finishing diets to counter the ill effects of feeding diets with rapidly digestible carbohydrates.
Monensin as a feeding additive is introduced in the farm animals’ food such as horses and cows (Al Jassim et al. 137). While the bottom line for the substance is associated with nutrition benefits, a similar approach is criticized for instigating health problems to the faunas. The additive is marketed under the brand name ‘rumenism’ (Bautista et al. 425). This paper will explore the ultimate effects that the use of rumenism has on the health of animals and control measures.
Impacts of Rumenism on Animals
Reduction of Fecal Shedding of Bovine Tuberculosis
The monensin sodium reduces the (MAP) Mycobacterium avium subsp and Paratuberculosis’ fecal shedding in dairy cattle (Science Letter n.p). As a result, livestock with Johne's disease develops low potentiality of spreading the malady to the young stock. The serologic screening of dairy herds in Southwestern Ontario used the fecal culture to identify cows while the rest were enrolled as ELISA negative (Science Letter n.p). Henceforth, the cows were randomized to undergo either a placebo capsule or a Monensin Controlled Release Capsule (CRC). Apparently, the treatment impacts were varied. For instance, the cows that underwent the monensin CRC treatment were able to shed less cfu per tube as compared to the livestock that was administered to placebo. From the 98 days experiment, it was concluded that monensin’s medication results in low fecal shedding of the MAP in dairy animals (Science Letter n.p).
Alteration of Rumen Bacteria and Blocking the Degradation of Amino Acids
Notably, monensin modifies the rumen bacterial flora to increase the production of propionic acid in a similar proportion to that of acetic and butyric acids (Western Milling LLC n.p). The process assists in retaining a more considerable portion of dietary energy. Additionally, monensin is vital in blocking amino acids’ degradation to ammonia, an instance that improves the food efficiency and the rate of gain in livestock. Another significant role of monensin in cattle encompasses the decline of the incidence of acidosis and feedlot bloat (Marcella n.p). The aspect averts the prevalence of tryptophan-induced that is atypical bovine pulmonary emphysema.
Inhibition of Transportation of Sodium and Potassium across the Cell Membrane
While used as an ionophorous antibiotic, monensin inhibits the process of transporting both sodium and potassium ions across the cell membrane (Marcella n.p). As a result, the occurrences of mitochondrion failure, decreased activities of ATP, and availability of Calcium ions happens to the poisoned livestock. Hypercontractility of themucle fiber, cellular necrosis, and a complete breakdown of the system ultimately lead to fatalities of the infected animal that munches the toxic dose (Deljou et al. 23). The clinical signs of monensin poisoning occur within 12-24 hours, but low-level chronic ingestions may take longer days and weeks which would moderate the severity.
A total Change in the Body of Poison Animal Due to Monensin
Various negative health outcomes are experienced by the horses and cattle that are intoxicated by the monensin (Marcella n.p). Among the jeopardies incorporates the prevalence of colic, intermittent sweating, weaknesses of the muscles, ataxia, polyuria, tachycardia, and myoglobinuria. Other symptoms are polyuria, oliguria, distress, and recumbence of the respiratory organs. The indications may be severely felt by the animal, thus dying within 24 hours of infection. However, surviving livestock from the intoxication may still witness the congestive heart failure following the massive cardiac muscles damage beyond repair as well as poor gaining of weight (Science Letter n.p).
Damage to the Myocardium, Skeletal Muscle and Kidneys
Apparently, monensin poisoning damages the myocardium, skeletal muscle, and kidneys (Deljou et al. 25). The later effects incorporate increasing activities of the creatine phosphokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphates, and serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (Science Letter n.p). In turn, horses and cattle develop a fewer concentration of blood and principal body alteration.
Treatment of Monensin Poisoning
Treating monensin poisoning is primarily supportive without an antidote. The supportive care encompasses the oral application of activated charcoal in acute cases to prevent the intestinal absorption (Science Letter n.p). Despite the low probability of treatment’s success, aggressive fluid therapy is being used to support the function of cardiac and fluid. Additionally, the means correct the electrolyte abnormalities that supplement the potassium. Also, proper mixing of monensin and adequate check by the quality assurance team helps in reducing the toxicity of the monensin when used as animals feed (Marcella n.p).
Overall, monensin is widely used to manufacture the animal feeds. Meanwhile, the additive is perceived to have several positive merits as well as negative implications and intoxication to the livestock. Monensin is essential in reducing the fecal shedding of the bovine tuberculosis, the alteration of rumen bacteria and blocking amino acids’ degradation, and the reduced incidence of acidosis and feedlot bloat. Other adverse impacts of monensin harming include inhibition of transportation of sodium and potassium across the cell membrane, change in the livestock’s body, and the damage to the myocardium, skeletal muscle, and kidneys. The treatment is supportive and involving varying approaches such as the use of activated charcoal. As a result, much care should be undertaken by the manufactures that use monensin to make animals feeds to minimize the potential effects that would jeopardize the life of fauna.
Work Cited
Al Jassim, R. A. M., et al. "Gross Pathology, Biochemistry and Histopathology of Selected Organs of Camels Suffering from Suspected Monensin Toxicosis in Australia. J Veterinar Sci Techno 7: 315 (2016): 134-154.
Bautista, Adrienne C., et al. "Diagnostic value of tissue monensin concentrations in horses following toxicosis." Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation 26.3 (2014): 423-427.
Deljou, Mahdi, et al. "Clinical, laboratory and pathological findings in sub-acute monensin intoxication in goats." Veterinary research forum: an international quarterly journal. Vol. 5. No. 3. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran, 2014.
Marcella, Kenneth. Poisoning in the feed room. Pew Research Center, 2011. http://veterinarynews.dvm360.com/poisoning-feed-room. Accessed on March 15, 2018.
Science Letter. Monensin sodium marginally reduces fecal shedding of bovine tuberculosis. Pew Research Center, 2006. http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A246465507/SUIC?u=ft58823"xid=28ec6ea5. Accessed on March 15, 2018.
Western Milling LLC. Western Milling LLC Voluntarily Recalls Western Blend Horse Feed, Lot 5251 due to potential Monensin contamination. Pew Research Center, 2015. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/western-milling-llc-voluntarily-recalls-western-blend-horse-feed-lot-5251-due-to-potential-monensin-contamination-300149387.html. Accessed on March 15, 2018.
