2021-11-24 14:34:38
Based on data collected in slaughterhouses, during autopsies and on farms, as well as data in the scientific literature, the ANSES working group estimated that at least 7 to 20% of cattle were affected by the ingestion of metallic foreign bodies in France. With a herd of more than 10 million cattle, this estimate gives an idea of the scale of the problem. Mainly resulting from activities related to the farm, the presence of these foreign bodies in the stomachs of cows has very variable consequences on their health and well-being. In a fraction of cases, they are a source of pain and cause serious injuries. Thus, each year, around 30,000 carcasses are totally or partially excluded from consumption when the animals arrive at the slaughterhouse, due to the presence of lesions linked to the ingestion of these foreign bodies. In addition, foreign bodies and associated lesions cause the death of approximately 29,000 cattle per year on farms, with no possible recovery. The sum of these figures represents approximately 0.6% of the French cattle population.
Mainly metal objects found in the stomachs of cows
The majority of foreign bodies found in the rumen of cows are wires of a few centimeters, and to a lesser extent nails. Their most probable origin is linked to activities around the farm : metal structures of used tires, used to hold the tarpaulins covering the fodder (silage), pieces of fences possibly torn off when cutting hedges, construction site waste, etc. “ All types of breeding are concernedthose indoors as well as those outdoors, but contrary to what one might think, cows living inside seem more exposed than those grazing outdoors, notes Charlotte Dunoyer, head of the unit Assessment of risks linked to animal health, food and welfare. The supply of fodder from outside with the use of mechanization has the effect of “focus” the pieces of metal in the feed distributed, compared to a situation where animals spend more time on pasture. For example, it is possible that pieces of fence that have fallen to the ground are removed at the same time as the mowed grass, or that wire from used tires falls into the silage. »
Good practices to reduce cows’ exposure to pieces of metal
The first measure to avoid injuries caused by the ingestion of foreign bodies is to act at the source. Experts have recommended measures to avoid the presence of pieces of metal in the cows’ environment. For example, no longer use used tires to cover forage or equip agricultural equipment used to power them with an electromagnet, in order to trap ferromagnetic objects. Particular attention must also be paid when maintaining fences and hedges as well as on construction sites around livestock farms, so as not to leave forgotten pieces of metal.
Magnets to prevent serious injuries
To combat the occurrence of serious lesions, breeders quite often use magnets. This object measuring a few centimeters is placed orally in the rumen of cows. By attracting and by trapping metal debris, it prevents them from causing damage by migrating into fragile organs, such as the heart or the diaphragm. The effectiveness of these devices is proven. Studies carried out on dairy farms in Quebec have notably shown that animals equipped with a magnet have half the risk to be diagnosed with a pathology linked to the presence of foreign bodies than their peers who have not received them.
The installation of the magnet presents a extremely low risk to well-being of animals: bibliographic data indicate that trauma linked to the administration of a magnet orally is rare. In matters of public health and animal health, “ The risk of dissolution of the magnet seems to be negligible on the scale of the cow’s life, indicates Nibangue Lare, who coordinated the expertise. The working group nevertheless considered the worst case scenario. Even if the magnet were to degrade within a year, the content of its constituent elements would not pose a problem for the health of animals or that of humans consuming products of animal origin. »
The experts recommend the installation of a magnet from the first evocative signs, to avoid the development of serious disorders, and according to the risk of ingestion metal objects by animals. The administration of a magnet could in particular be considered if other animals in the herd have already encountered problems linked to the ingestion of foreign bodies or if the operation is located in a risky location, such as former conflict zones or former military grounds. Limiting the risks linked to the ingestion of foreign bodies therefore involves prevention, first of the risk of ingestion and then of its consequences.
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