Phosphorus deficiency in buffaloes in the state of Pará, Northern Brazil

Abstract

Phosphorus deficiency is the most important mineral deficiency in Brazil. In the state of Pará, this deficiency occurs in many regions, mainly in Marajó Island, where it causes important economic losses. This paper reports the epidemiology, clinical signs and pathology of phosphorus deficiency in Buffaloes in Pará. This information was obtained by visits to the farms, clinical examination and necropsies of some affected buffaloes. The disease occurs due to the low levels of P in the pastures and an incorrect or absent mineral supplementation. Also, in the Marajo Island, the high NaCl concentration in the water limits consumption of mineral supplements by the buffaloes. The main clinical signs are osteophagia, bone fractures, rising difficulties, rigid gait or stance over the carpal joints, kiphosis, abnormal stance, mainly with one foreleg dislocated cranially, joint swelling, softening of the transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae, poor growth, weight loss, birth of small calves, and low reproductive taxes. Hemoglobinuria after parturition is also observed. Serum phosphorus varied between 2.52 and 5.43 mg/dl. At necropsy bone fractures, light bones with less resistance and enlarged medullar cavity were observed. Frequently the bones can be cut with a knife. Histologically the bones have active bone resorption with accumulation of non mineralized osteoid.