Brachiaria spp. poisoning in sheep in Brazil: experimental and epidemiological findings.

Abstract

This chapter presents experiments aiming to examine the aspects of Brachiaria spp. poisoning in sheep in Brazil, and analyse the epidemiological records from spontaneous outbreaks. The susceptibility of sheep to signal grass (Brachiaria decumbens [Urochloa decumbens]) poisoning, the effect of signal grass maturity on poisoning in naïve sheep and the performance of sheep grazing Brachiaria spp. and other pastures are described. It is shown that the susceptibility or resistance to Brachiaria spp. poisoning in sheep is complex and is probably influenced by genetic and acquired resistance and factors determining the saponin concentration in grasses. Nevertheless, Brachiaria spp. is an important option for grazing sheep in central-western Brazil. Therefore, more research is necessary to develop management measures to prevent the intoxication.