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Ill wind blows for cattle export to Middle East
16 Jul 2003
Flatulence is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of cattle exported to the Middle East each year. Cows gas themselves to death by emitting fatally high levels of ammonia during the lengthy voyages, according to researcher Jeisana Accioly, who said the cows' high protein diets were the cause of the problem.
During the voyages, which can take between 13 and 31 days, temperatures onboard can soar dramatically as the ship crosses the Equator, leading to high levels of ammonia production. In the cramped, hot and poorly ventilated cattle holds, ammonia gas can quickly cause respiratory problems and death.
Ms Accioly said cattle deaths could be reduced by altering the animals' diet. It can be as simple as increasing the roughage in the diet with something like hay, decreasing protein and ensuring higher levels of qualified nutrient monitoring, she said.
The Courier-Mail, 16/7/03, page 14.
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