Toxicity studies of Cassia spectabilis DC in crossbred male cow calves

To assess the toxic nature of the plant Cassia spectabilis, male crossbred cow calves were fed 20, 40 or 60 g/kg leaves of Cassia spectabilis for 5 days. There were no observable signs in 20 g/kg group. In 40 g/kg group, all the calves died within 15 days. While in 60 g/kg group, all, calves died within 10 days. There was no change in blood serum creatinine, BUN and total protein concentrations in these calves but there was an increase in AST and ALT concentrations. There was no change in the haernatological parameters in calves of all groups. At necropsy, there was catarrhal gastroenteritis and pericardial petechia in 40 and 60 g/kg fed group. Degenerative changes were noted in liver and myocardim. The present study indicates that this plant is highly toxic.