Symptoms of Pica in Cattle

• Eating & licking stones off roadways
• Licking clay from banks and ditches
• Chewing water piping, cubicle mats, eating electric fence handles
• Lameness, sore limbs, sore joints, & the sound cracking bones in older cows (severe cases)
• Drinking or licking urine

Causes of Pica in Cattle

Pica can be caused by phosphorous deficiency. It is important to note that pica often occurs in herds that are thriving & healthy. Low dietary fibre in the cow’s diet, due to the rapidly growing grass during the breeding season can also cause pica. Typically associated with drought conditions and poor P index soils, a cold/dry spell in April/May can exacerbate the issue.

Problems from PICA in Cattle

Pica can lead to:

• Loose dung
• Reduced ‘cudding’ and therefore saliva production, which can result in ruminal acidosis due to the decreased buffering from saliva within the rumen
• Reduced milk fats due to a change in the balance of fatty acids being produced by a more acidic rumen
• Feed intake drops and therefore milk production suffers