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What is pica?
Pica or false appetite is tendency to eat non-nutritive substances in animals .A tendency to eat sand, dirt, urine, and especially wool, wood, and bone has been observed in sheep. This behavior has been reported in humans and other mammals such as horses, rabbits, cats and pigs with milder symptoms.
Dairy cow concentrate Kimia Roshd Sepahan
Causes of pica in dairy cows
- Lack of minerals, especially sodium (salt), phosphorus, sulfur, magnesium, iron copper and cobalt
- Too much hunger in livestock
- Suffering from subclinical ketosis and acidosis
- Lack of balance in the ratio of calcium to phosphorus
- Nerve disorders due to insufficient movement of livestock and suffering from rabies and astonemia
| The most important reasons for pica in the behavior of mammals, including dairy cows, horses and sheep | ||
|---|---|---|
| cow | Horse | Sheep |
| Lack of minerals, especially sodium (salt), phosphorus, sulfur, magnesium, iron copper and cobalt | Lack of iron and copper | Deficiency of copper, magnesium and sulfur minerals |
Effects of pica on dairy cows
- Obstruction of the digestive system due to eating sand, fiber, wool etc.
- Occurrence of lead poisoning or botulism
Misconceptions about pica
Some farmer believe that the mineral deficiency of livestock is partly supplied through pica. But the truth is that small animals have little to eat the nutrients they need and they prefer palatable and non-nutritious substances to the nutrients they need.
Treatment of pica in dairy cows
- Improving the quality of ration ingredients
- Adding mineral supplements to the diet
- Using mineral bricks and salt stones
- Drug treatments in case of disease progression in the herd
FAQ (pica in dairy cows)
Pica or false appetite is tendency to eat non-nutritive substances in animals .A tendency to eat sand, dirt, urine, and especially wool, wood, and bone has been observed in sheep and dairy Cows.
The cause of pica is not entirely clear: abnormal appetite is generally related to minerals (sodium and phosphorus) or fiber. Other causes are lack of energy or the production of intestinal parasites.
Treatment of pica in dairy cows by improving the quality of food and adding supplementary minerals to the diet, as well as using minerals and edible stones, it is possible to help treat pica in dairy cows.