ASSOCIATION OF EXCESS SULFUR INTAKE AND AN INCREASE IN HYDROGEN-SULFIDE CONCENTRATIONS IN THE RUMINAL GAS CAP OF RECENTLY WEANED BEEF-CALVES WITH POLIOENCEPHALOMALACIA

Polioencephalomalacia (PEM) is an important neurologic disease of rumi nants. Pathologic concentrations of ruminal hydrogen sulfide appear to be a central component in the pathogenesis of sulfur-associated PEM. High concentrations of hydrogen sulfide in the ruminal gas cap provide evidence for excessive sulfur intake. Thiamine deficiency, lead toxic osis, and salt toxicity/water deprivation should be ruled out as poten tial causes of PEM. All feedstuffs and water should be analyzed to det ermine sources of excessive sulfur.